Lab Report Checklist
Use this list to make sure you have completed every aspect of the project.
(2.5) Guiding Question = brief question that you hope to answer
(2.5) Purpose = concise statement of what you hope to accomplish
(5) Hypothesis = your prediction of how you expect the variables to interact
If, then format
Clearly identifies the independent and dependent variables
Relationship between the variables and the predicted result is clear and reasonable
(5) Materials = specific list of items used in the investigation
Bulleted list
All necessary equipment and supplies are listed
Materials are specific (includes number, size, amount, brand, etc. as needed)
(10) Procedures = step-by-step explanation of the investigation
Steps are numbered, in order
Procedures are written in complete sentences
Each step starts with an action word
Steps provide sufficient detail to easily replicate the experiment
(25) Results = neat and accurate representation of data in tables and graphs
Data table(s) drawn with straight lines (using a ruler) or typed
Data table(s) clearly labeled with a title, variable names, and units
An appropriate type of graph is used (line, bar, circle) for the data
Graph is drawn neatly on graph paper (using a ruler) or is computer-generated
Graph is drawn at an appropriate scale for the given data
Graph is clearly labeled with a title, labeled axes, units, and a key (if appropriate)
(25) Analysis = clear explanation of results
Written in paragraph form using complete sentences
Experimental design is clearly summarized, but the procedures are not rewritten. Necessary
background information is provided to explain the purpose of the experiment.
Independent variable, dependent variable, constants, control group, and experimental group are
clearly stated.
Data, including graphs, is referred to and explained.
Additional analysis questions (if any) are answered thoroughly and accurately in complete
sentences.
At least three sources of error were identified (as well as their possible effects), and specific
suggestions for improvement were provided for each.
(15) Conclusion = summary of investigation and implications for society
Written in paragraph form using complete sentences
Clearly states whether hypothesis was supported or rejected and why
Relates the findings to the real world by explaining how the results could be used
(10) Overall
Each section of lab report is clearly labeled
Sections are in order
Report is written in 3rd person
© It’s Not Rocket Science® 2017
Lab Report Rubric
Category
Guiding
Question and
Purpose
(5 pts)
Hypothesis
(5 pts)
Excellent
A guiding question is stated
clearly, and the problem or goal
of the experiment is clearly
identified in a brief sentence. (5)
Hypothesized relationship
between the variables and the
predicted results is clear and
reasonable based on what has
been studied. Hypothesis is in the
correct format and the variables
are correctly identified. (5)
Acceptable
The question and purpose
of the experiment are a bit
confusing, but the general
idea is understood. (4-3)
Hypothesized relationship
between the variables and
the predicted results is
reasonable based on general
knowledge and
observations. The format is
flawed a little or one of the
variables is incorrectly
identified. (4-3)
Materials
(5 pts)
All materials and setup used in
the experiment are specifically
and accurately described in a
bulleted list. (5)
Almost all materials and the
setup used in the
experiment are specifically
and accurately described in
a bulleted list. (4-3)
Procedures
(10 pts)
Procedures are listed in clear,
specific action-based steps. Each
step is numbered and is a
complete sentence. (10)
Results
(25 pts)
Professional looking and accurate
representation of the data in tables
and graphs. Graphs and tables
are labeled and titled, units are
used, scale is correct, key is
provided, and a ruler and graph
paper were used. (25)
All components of experimental
design are accurately described.
Graphs are referred to and
explained well. Explanation of
the data is clear and all questions
are answered. Experimental
errors, their possible effects, and
ways to reduce errors are
addressed. (25)
Procedures are listed in
logical order, but steps are
not specific enough,
numbered, and/or are not in
complete sentences. (9-7)
Accurate representation of
the data in tables and/or
graphs. There are a few
mistakes or missing labels.
They may or may not
appear sloppy. (24-15)
Analysis
(25 pts)
Needs Improvement
There is either a
question or a purpose,
but both are written
unclearly. (2-1)
Hypothesized
relationship between
the variables and the
predicted results has
been stated, but appears
to be based on flawed
logic. The format is
incorrect and the
variables are labeled
incorrectly. (2-1)
Some of the materials
and the setup used in
the experiment are
accurately described
and may or may not be
in a bulleted list. (2-1)
Procedures are listed
but are not in a logical
order or are difficult to
follow. (6-4)
Unacceptable
There is no
question, purpose
or problem
identified. (0)
No hypothesis has
been stated. (0)
Graphs and tables are
lacking major
components and are
sloppy or setup up
inaccurately. (14-5)
Data are not
shown in graphs
and tables OR are
entirely inaccurate.
(5-0)
Most components of
experimental design are
accurately described.
Graphs may be referred to
and are mostly explained.
Most questions are
answered. Experimental
errors and their possible
effects are discussed.
Solutions may or may not
be included. (24-15)
Some components of
experimental design are
accurately described.
Graphs may be referred
to but are not clearly
explained. Some
questions are answered.
Experimental errors
and their possible
effects may be
discussed. Solutions
are not included. (14-5)
Experimental
design is not
discussed. No
explanation of data
or graphs, and the
questions are
unanswered.
Discussion of
errors is missing or
incomplete. (5-0)
Many materials
are described
inaccurately OR
are not described
at all. (0)
Procedures do not
accurately list the
steps of the
experiment. (3-0)
Conclusion
(15 pts)
Includes whether the findings
supported the hypothesis,
explained and provided examples
of real-world applications, and
what was learned from the
experiment. (15)
Conclusion includes
whether the findings
supported the hypothesis
but the explanation and
real-world application are
not complete. (14-10)
Conclusion includes
incorrect wording when
referring to hypothesis
and is missing more
than one component.
(9-5)
No conclusion was
included in the
report OR shows
little effort and
reflection. (4-0)
Overall
(10 pts)
All sections are clearly labeled, in
order, and only 3rd person was
used. (10)
All sections are clearly
labeled, in order, and 3rd
person was mostly used. (97)
Most sections are
clearly labeled and in
order, but 3rd person
was not used. (6-4)
Sections are
missing labels, are
out of order, and
3rd person was not
used. (3-0)
Total Score:
© It’s Not Rocket Science® 2017