Physics Lab Report Conclusion Rubric (Fifth Draft)
Rubric Item
1. Restating the data
CCSS RST.11-12.1
CCSS RST.11-12.9
Insufficient Evidence (2)
Data is not restated in
paragraph form.
Most of the important data is
restated inaccurately or
missing.
Approaching Standards (3)
Most of the important data is
restated in paragraph form but one
or two important pieces are
restated inaccurately or are
missing.
Total Points: ___/20
Achieves Standards (4)
Important data is accurately
restated in paragraph form.
Only the most important data is accurately
restated stated in less than 3 sentences.
Includes general references to the
tables, graphs, or figures from the
data section.
Includes references to specific tables, graphs, or
figures within the data section (i.e. “table 1”, “graph 1”)
References to the data section are
unclear or missing.
2. Comparing data with
theory
CCSS RST.11-12.2
CCSS RST.11-12.8
3. Assumptions/
Limitations/ Sources of
Error
Does not answer the question,
“does the data confirm or
contradict the background
theory?”
Does not name any valid
assumptions, limitations or
sources of error.
Exceeds Standards (5)
Identifies at least one trend in the data (i.e. a general
increase, a relationship between two variables)
Connections between the data
recorded during the lab and the
hypothesis/purpose or theory of
the lab and unclear or missing.
Makes at least 1 connection
between the data recorded during
the lab and the hypothesis/purpose
or theory of the lab.
Answers the question, “does the
data confirm or contradict the
background theory?”
Answers the question, “does the
data confirm or contradict the
background theory?”
Names one or two valid
assumptions, limitations or sources
of error.
Names two valid assumptions,
limitations, or sources of error.
Names at least two valid assumptions, limitations, or
sources of error.
Explains scientifically how the
assumption, limitation, or source
of error affected the results of the
experiment.
Explains scientifically how the assumption,
limitation, or source of error affected the results of
the experiment.
CCSS WHST.11-12.1 a-e
Restates the hypothesis/ purpose as well as the
theory of the lab.
Makes at least 2 connections between the data
recorded during the lab and the hypothesis/purpose
and theory of the lab.
Answers the question, “does the data confirm or
contradict the background theory?”
Suggests how the lab design or process could be
improved to eliminate one of the shortcomings and
create a more accurate experiment.
4. Follow up experiment
CCSS WHST.11-12.5
Does not name or names an
unrelated further question or
follow up experiment.
Names a further question or
follow up experiment that is
related to the theory of the lab or
the experimental model.
Names a further question or
follow up experiment that is
related to the theory of the lab or
the experimental model.
Describes in general the
importance of the question or the
design of the follow up
experiment.
Describes in detail why the
question is important or the design
of the follow-up experiment.
Names a further question that is creative and
related to the theory of the lab and describes a follow
up experiment that could answer the question.
Describes in detail why the question is important and
the design of the follow-up experiment.