Biology Lab Summary Format and Rubric
Your lab summary should follow this format. Your paper should have the same headings as below.
All Labs MUST be typed.
Name ________________ Block ___ Date____
“Descriptive Lab Title”
Purpose/Objective:
This section should list the purpose(s) or objectives(s) of the lab. That is, it should say what you are trying
to find out or do in this experiment. It must be in a complete sentence(s).
Hypothesis (If applicable):
This section should state what you think you might find out in the experiment (based on what you already
know). It must be at least one complete sentence formatted as an if/then/because statement that is
testable.
Experimental Design
• Equipment:
This should be a bulleted list of equipment needed in the experiment.
Procedure:
This should NUMBERED list of steps explaining how to carry out the experiment (like
instructions in a recipe). Do NOT copy directly from the lab! Put the steps in your own words.
Observations/Data:
This shows the observations and/or measurements you made in the experiment and is often in the form of
a data table. This may be qualitative and/or quantitative observations.
Questions/Analysis:
This section includes answers to all questions included in the lab as well as any calculations/graphs related
to your data.
Conclusions:
Use complete sentences in paragraph form. The Conclusion should address all points below. DO
NOT talk about feelings or how much you liked/disliked the lab.
o
o
o
o
o
o
Restate the PURPOSE of the lab, be clear and complete. (P)
State your HYPOTHESIS (If there is one). (H)
Make a CLAIM and explain how it is supported by EVIDENCE from lab. (C)
Discuss any possible sources of ERROR/UNCERTAINTY that may have caused you to get
inaccurate data. Explain how error AFFECTS the lab data. (E)
APPLICATION gives methods to further test variables and connects the lab to real world
examples. (A)
CONCLUDING SENTENCE: Tell specifically what was learned from the lab and relate it to
the learning objective. (CS)
Biology Lab Summary Format and Rubric
Section
Advanced (5)
Proficient (3-4)
-Appropriate title
- Appropriate purpose
statement
-If, then, because testable
hypothesis statement that
address the question(s) on the
lab sheet.
Includes:
- List of materials given
-Step by step, numbered
procedure.
Partially proficient/Unsatisfactory
(1-2)
Incomplete/ missing: -Inappropriate title
Title, Purpose, and
Hypothesis
-Descriptive title
-Clearly defined purpose
-If, then, because testable
hypothesis
Experimental Design:
Materials and
Procedure
Observations/Data
Includes and identifies:
-Complete list of materials
-Detailed, step by step,
numbered procedure.
-Labeled and complete data
tables
-Data tables provided
Incomplete/ missing data tables
Questions/
Analysis
-Labeled and correctly
plotted graph(s) of data
-Correctly respond to
questions related to lab
results
-Labeled and correctly plotted
graph(s) of data
- Respond to questions related
to lab results
Incomplete/ missing graphs and questions
Purpose (P)
Clear statement of the
purpose(s) that relates to the
learning objective
Incomplete statement of the
purpose(s)
Misinterprets purpose(s)
OR
No mention of purpose
Restates a clear, testable
hypothesis
Give a hypothesis
Hypothesis (H)
-Makes a claim supported
by evidence from lab OR
states whether hypothesis is
supported.
-Correctly uses data to
explain how it supports the
claim
Makes a valid claim OR
states whether hypothesis is
supported, but it’s not
supported by evidence
Includes some data
Incomplete hypothesis
OR
No mention of hypothesis
Makes a claim irrelevant to lab
OR
Does not make a claim
No reference to evidence or data
OR
Connects evidence to claim incorrectly
2+ sources of error and
specifically explain how
each type of error affects lab
data.
Two sources of error and how
it relates to lab data
Or
Errors but no effects
0-1 source(s) of error, but does not relate to lab
data
OR
No mention of effects
Includes detailed
explanation of the
following:
-Extensions of the
experiment to further test
variables.
-Connects to real world
example
Includes brief explanation of
one of the following:
-New experiments suggested
-Connects to real world
example
No application given
Specifically states what was
learned from the lab and
relates to the learning
objective
Gives a general statement of
learning
Concluding sentence does not reflect learning
OR
No concluding sentence
-Strong use of grammar,
mechanics, neatness, and
complete stand-alone
sentences
-Use of grammar, usage,
mechanics, neatness and
complete sentences
-Poor use of grammar, mechanics, neatness
and sentences
- Unclear purpose statement
- Incomplete or inappropriate hypothesis.
Incomplete/ missing:
- List of materials
-Step by step, numbered procedure.
Evidence
Point
Conclusion
Claim and
Evidence (C)
Analysis
Errors
And Affects (E)
Application
(A)
Concluding
Sentence (CS)
Grammar/Mechanics
(G)
Pts