PHYSICS LAB RUBRIC (_________________________________)

LAB ASPECT/S ASSESSED: Desig n

Data Collection & Processing Conclusion & Evaluation

NAME: _____________________________
Date performed: __________________________
SCORE

LOGISTICS Raw data collected directly into lab composition book Lab is typed with 1.5 line spacing Logical order of report, with clear title and headings Clear spelling, grammar, and flow of the writing; past tense throughout Table(s) labeled sequentially as Tables (i.e. as Table 1 Table 2) Diagram(s) and graph(s) labeled sequentially as Figures (i.e. as Figure 1Figure 2) DESIGN ASPECT 1: problem and variables Relevant contextual information is provided (what are we learning in class to which the lab relates) Accurate physics background information is included (with citations where appropriate) Problem question is stated with a clear IV and DV Problem question relates to the prompt given in class Manipulated (Independent) variable correctly identified (or describe why no MV) Levels of the IV are listed (with unit) and explained Responding (Dependent) variable is correctly identified Quantitative DV provided (with unit) Qualitative DV provided (or explain why none) Hypothesis concerns effect of IV on DV Hypothesis explanation is valid DESIGN ASPECT 2: Control of Variables At least three relevant controlled variables are identified Controlled variables are presented as table There is a clear explanation why each variable needs to be controlled There is a clear explanation of how each variable was controlled. Includes values of each controlled variable and equipment used to ensure or measure these values. DESIGN ASPECT 3: Method for Collection of Data The major apparatus used are listed, including size and graduation The reasoning behind the quantities of each material is given There is a titled and labeled picture or diagram of the set up (Diagram is not a good title) Procedure includes at least 3 validity measures Procedure describes how the IV was varied Sample size is at least 5 for each level of the IV Explanation of how and why you sampled data (if appropriate) Description of how the controlled variables were kept constant

Directions about how to collect measurement data (with tool listed) Sufficient number of trials is present to ensure reliability and allow for stats Method is clear, specific, and can be easily replicated by reader, if desired Safety precautions are provided/ethics concerns addressed

DATA ASPECT 1: Collecting and Recording Raw Data Quantitative data relevant to the variables in the investigation is collected Qualitative data (observations that would enhance the interpretation of results) relevant to the investigation is collected Data table is neatly constructed, organized, and makes good use of space. Table does not break across a page. Specific title is included. The title indicates what data was collected. Note: table title is NOT the lab title. Logical set-up of columns and rows (i.e., IV in first column, DV(s) in next column(s)) with headings at the top of each column Columns are clearly annotated with appropriate headings Units and an indication of the uncertainty of measurement are included in the header for each column Measurement uncertainty is noted correctly Data is measured to a consistent, correct precision (reflected in the appropriate number of significant digits) for the tool used; decimal points align All data are recorded correctly and honestly Comment/s on how uncertainty values were arrived at is/are provided Drawing/diagram of set-up: Clear title in larger font At least page, in pencil, on unlined, white paper Important parts of the setup are identified/labeled appropriately Free-body diagram/s appropriately drawn (when necessary) DATA ASPECT 2: Processing Raw Data Calculations to determine DV carried out, if necessary Mathematics correctly applied Worked example calculation given Processed data (and decimal places) consistent with precision of recorded data More specifically. Correct mean is calculated for each level of the IV Use of the mean is explained At least one annotated example calculation for mean Uncertainties from the repeated measurements are calculated by finding the (max value min value) in the spread of the data Uncertainties in the processed data are calculated by (max value min value)/2 Any calculations done are explained

DATA ASPECT 3: Processed Data Presentation Processed data is organized into an easy-to-read table, with clearly labeled title and column headings (with units and uncertainties) Processed data has correct precision; decimal points align Uncertainties are propagated correctly The correct type of graph is made for the type of data presented (i.e. bar, line, histogram, pie, etc) Graph is neatly constructed, organized, and makes good use of space. If used, colors make the graph more readable. Specific title is included. The title indicates what data is presented and what error analysis is used (if applicable) Graph title is NOT the lab title. DV on the y-axis and IV on the x-axis; labels are clear Units are clearly and correctly identified along the x-axis and y-axis The graph axes are proportional to the data All points are plotted clearly and correctly. The mean of the data is graphed (not each individual trial). Graph is linearised (whenever possible) Error bars plotted correctly Best-fit is plotted automatically. Equation of the best-fit line is displayed. (y = mx + c) Lines of minimum and maximum gradients are drawn from the error bars Uncertainty in the best straight-line gradient is determined correctly series boxes are deleted from graphs created in Excel CONCLUSION ASPECT 1: Concluding Correct conclusion is drawn; conclusion relates to the problem / purpose Conclusion refers to hypothesis Appropriate language used Supports my hypothesis (not proves or is correct) Use data to support conclusion (mean, SD and T) with direct reference to figures and tables Patterns and trends in data stated, with reference to the graph/tables. Comparison with published data and theoretical texts, if possible. (sources cited) Provides scientific explanation for results, with justification CONCLUSION ASPECT 2: Evaluating Procedure Confidence in results is stated Reference to error bars (or STDEV) with regard to variability of results and validity of conclusions Analysis of sufficiency of data to address the aim Analysis of appropriateness or limitations due to IV range and levels Anomalous data points explained (if appropriate) At least 3 errors / limitations that actually affected data and/or conclusion Description of how errors / limitations may have impacted results and/or conclusion (done for each error listed)

CONCLUSION ASPECT 3: Improving the Investigation At least 3 improvements to investigation are provided Improvements are based on errors / limitations described in aspect 2 Suggestions are realistic and achievable Suggestions are specific and clearly explained (be more careful is unacceptable) Suggestions reduce errors or improve control of variables MANIPULATIVE SKILLS Follows directions carefully Do not fabricate data Seeks assistance when appropriate (independence is encouraged) Consistently carries out proper safety measures Properly uses experimental equipment Safely disposes and reduces waste Works in the lab in a way that does not put oneself or others in harms way