How are FLRs Graded?

All Formal Lab Reports are graded according to the following rubric:

Format / Construction (15 points)

correctly formatted cover page + 2
appropriate, informative title + 3
correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and verb/noun agreement + 5
the report is structured as a single, cohesive document + 5

Abstract (10 points)

includes all important elements of experiment + 6
summarizes procedure clearly and concisely + 4

Theory (15 points)

correctly describes the theory of the experiment + 10
clearly indicates what aspect of the theory will be tested + 3
places the theory in a larger historical and scientific context + 2

Procedure (10 points)

written in past tense, passive voice + 4
correctly describes a single “trial” + 3
clearly explains how multiple trials are conducted + 3

Presentation of Qualitative and Quantitative Information (15 points)

qualitative observations/numerical values are correct and correctly reported + 4
diagrams/graphs/tables are preceded by a clear and accurate introductory sentence or paragraph and are properly referred to in written portions of the report + 4
tables are clearly formatted and tables/graphs have well chosen and correctly labeled axes + 4
data and results are properly identified and appear in the correct area of the report + 3

Sample Calculations (10 points)

includes a single sample of each important calculation + 4
all variables are identified and each calculation is explained + 4
equations are well formatted + 2

Discussion of Results (15 points)

relationship between primary result and theory is clearly explained + 10
impact of errors on data and results is clearly explained + 5

Conclusion (10 points)

makes a clear, definitive, reasonable conclusion about the original theory in light of the results + 10

Individual teachers will determine how to treat drafts which do not meet the minimum standards. Teachers may choose either not to accept them or to give a failing grade.

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