Experimental Design Rubric- Water properties lab (25 pts)

Rough Draft For Peer Edit Due: 11/24/14

Final Lab Write Up Due: 12/2/14
Standards:
21st Century: Conduct research using acceptable research methods and take responsibility for
completion of work.
Content: Evaluate evidence that Earth's geoshpere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere
interact as a complex system.
Literacy: Write clearly and coherently for a variety of purposes.

Objectives:
21st Century: I will be able to design an experiment in order to explore the properties of water
for the purpose of conducting research using acceptable research methods.
21st Century: I will write a lab report communicating my findings from an experiment I have
designed exploring the properties of water for the purpose of taking responsibility for the
completion of work.
Content: I have completed an experiment exploring Earth as a complex system, using a
repeatable procedure in which I have designed, and can discuss data and conclusions gathered
during the experiment by developing a lab report following the success criteria (rubric).
Literacy: I will write clearly and coherently when constructing a lab report in order to
communicate experimental data and conclusions gathered in a lab exploring the properties of
water.

Directions: Complete the lab exploring the properties of water by designing an experiment with
a repeatable procedure.
After completing you water properties lab you are to write a well written, coherent, and
concise lab report communicating your results. Your success criteria is your rubric. Points
possible are listed next to each item you are required to include in your lab report. If any of
these items are missing you will not get full points.

Introduction
1. Correctly identifies the research question
2. Discusses how this lab relates to content covered in class. (provides
background information)
3. Hypothesis answers research question
4. Reasoning for hypothesis is given

Yes
1
1

Materials and Method

5. Identifies equipment needed
6. Includes a diagram or provides a description that shows experimental
setup
7. Procedure is step by step and exactly repeatable
8. Procedure identifies how the independent variable is manipulated
9. Procedure identifies the dependent variable being measured
10. Procedure identifies appropriate variables that are held constant
11. Procedure allows for the collection of sufficient and relevant data.

Yes
1
1

Results
12. Includes 1-2 sentences introductory statement
13. Data table includes title, column headings, and units

Yes
1
3

No

Yes
1
1
1

No

Discussion
14. Restates research question AND hypothesis
15. Makes a claim in response to the research question
16. Accepts or rejects hypothesis or suggests further study regarding the
hypothesis
17. Refers to data/evidence from results section to support or reject the
claim
18. Uses scientific reasoning to explain WHY results turned out the way
they did
19. Identifies and analyzes sources of error, both in design and carrying
out of experiment (NOT human error)
20. Suggests ways to improve the procedure so as to reduce sources of
error
21. Adheres to professional writing standards, with no more than 2 errors

No

1
1
No

3
1
1
1
1

1
1
1
1
1

Total Points Earned_______