Grading Rubric for AP Biology Lab Reports

General Information:
Lab reports are written in formal style. The only exception to these guidelines is that lab reports are
written in passive voice. Reports written in first or third person will have points deducted accordingly. Ex:
I added a drop of solution to the test strip. This should be written as follows: 1 drop of solution was added
to the test strip. bove all! follow the rubric. "hen the rubric is used as a chec#list! a lab report should be
easily written.
Once you place your name on your submitted lab report, you are signing a contract that states that all
the work is your own. You may work with other classmates to discuss the lab, but the wording used in
your report is not to be copied from anywhere.
Total Points: 50 points
$1% points will be deducted for each day late.
Title Page: &' points(
Title ) *
+ame ) 1
,ate ) 1
Lab -artners ) 1
Instructor ) 1
Abstract: &' points( This is a summary of your report. This is one of the more difficult parts to write. It
may be beneficial to do this section last.
/n the bottom half of the title page! no more than five sentences &one paragraph(. The body should
contain a brief &1 sentence( summary of theory! brief &1 sentence( summary of procedure! brief &1
sentence( summary of ma0or findings.
-roblem12ummary of theory 3* points
4ody12ummary of procedure 3* points
5onclusion12ummary of ma0or findings3* points &5onclusion should completely answer the problem(
Purpose/iscussion of !oncepts: &6 points(
"hat are you trying to learn1test or determine7 3* points
8ow does this relate to concepts learned in class7 3* points
$Explain the concepts as if the reader does not already #now about them.
"aterials: &* points(
List of materials used! bulleted format is preferred! these can be found in your lab paper but ma#e sure to
include all of the materials used for each activity
&9aterials used multiple times only need to be listed once(
Procedure: &* points(
Reference the - 4iology Lab 9anual : you do not need to write out the procedure
Include any changes to the procedure that were different from the Lab 9anual -rocedure
ex. The lab procedure followed the procedure outlined in the dvanced -lacement 4iology
,iffusion and /smosis Laboratory ;it by <linn 2cientific! Inc. &lso include the changes in the
following sentence.(
ata: &' points(
=se of appropriate tables with borders and headings : 6 points
) ,o not fudge your data. Include only the data that your group and the class actually collected.
) ,o not cut out your data from your lab paper and paste into your report. It is good practice for you to
ma#e tables in word processing software. If you need help! see me.
ppropriate units and precision : * points
!alculations and Grap#s &> points( &+/T a separate section! include with data(
<ormulas included and 1 example of each type of calculation36 points
?raphs) 6 points
ll graphs include:
,escriptive title
Labeled axes with units included
ppropriately spaced axes with correctly placed and connected data points
"ell defined #ey
The data is the only part of the lab report that will be shared with your lab partner&s(. Each individual!
however! should create his1her own graphs.
$ @ou may use the following website to create your graphs:
http:11nces.ed.gov1nces#ids1createagraph1default.aspx
iscussion: &' points(
8ow lab relates to topics1concepts learned in lecture1reading : A points
,o not tell me Bthis relates to what was discussed in lecture.C I #now that. Relate it bac# to the
concepts.
8ow lab results support what was learned in class : A points
$rror Analysis: &' points(
Identified problems encountered! experimental wea#nesses or possible sources of error : * points
The effects of these wea#nesses1errors on your results : * points
8ow to overcome or avoid these wea#nesses1errors in the future : * points
$8uman error or Bmy partner is an idiotC are not valid reasons for error. If you made mista#es! they
should have been corrected by repeating the procedure.
!onclusion: &6 points(
In *)A sentences! use the results from the lab investigation to answer the original problem. The conclusion
is your opportunity to demonstrate to the reader how you were able to solve the problem at the beginning
of the investigation. Include any areas of further investigation or changes you would ma#e to the existing
procedure to improve the lab activity.