PreAP Biology Experimental Design (Lab)

Click on the links below to learn more details for that aspect. Point values indicated in each section are based on each circle worth 2 points each. There are 50 individual Aspects on this rubric.

Criteria

Aspect

Introduction

Defining the Problem

o Focused Problem/Research question.

Background Information

o Introduction specific to hypothesis, supports what is tested
o Introduction referenced

Identification of Variables

o Independent Variable Identified

o Dependent Variable Identified

o Controlled Variables Identified (3+)

Hypothesis & Rationale

Hypothesis, Null Hypothesis and Rationale

o Hypothesis in correct format

o Hypothesis correctly relates to problem

o Rationale is a detailed, clear, relevant explanation of why Independent Variable causes the Dependent Variable.

o Null Hypothesis in correct format

o Null Hypothesis correctly relates to problem

Materials and Methods

Materials

o All appropriate apparatus/materials listed

o Sizes indicated on all appropriate apparatus/materials

o Units indicated on all appropriate apparatus/materials

o Uncertainty indicated on all appropriate apparatus/materials

Methods

o All necessary safety precautions including safety symbol(s)

o Step by step listing of method used to run experiment using complete sentences.

o Independent Variable is controlled

o Maintain controlled variables and constants

o Diagram of equipment set up, minimum size of 12cm x 12cm, labeled and colored

o Labeled diagram or labeled photograph

o Method referenced

Developing a method for collection of data

o Range of data required (5+ or 10+ for t-test)

o Sufficient data collected in each range (5x5)

Data collection, processing and presentation

Data Collection (Raw Data Collection)

o All relevant quantitative recorded (as required)

o All relevant qualitative recorded (as required)

o Units of measure clearly indicated in SI

o Uncertainties clearly identified with units in SI

o Significant digits reflect precision

o Titles and Heading correct on data tables

Data Processing (Processing Raw Data)

o Mathematical Manipulation of data

o Processes quantitative data correctly

o Units of measure correct and carried through processing

o One example per formula, clearly identified

Data Presentation (Presenting Processed Data)

o Clear headings (Calculations, Graphs, Tables, Units)

o Appropriate scales

o Graph plots processed data (Best-Fit line on scatter plot)

o Correct significant figures

o Treatment of uncertainties is taken into account (outliers or error bars showing Std Deviation)

Conclusion and Evaluation

Conclusion

o Explanation relates to hypothesis (accept or reject)

o Explanation based on trends shown in graphs

o Interpretation contains observations, trends or patterns revealed by the data.

o Comparison to literature (as required) including references

Evaluating Procedures

o Relevant comments on design and method (processes)

o List relevant weakness and how significant they are

o Relevant weakness on precision and accuracy

o Relevant comments on use of equipment and mgmt. of time

Improving the Investigation based on above evaluation

o Realistic and clearly specified modification of technique (Procedure)

o Realistic and clearly specified modification of data range

o Realistic improvements to overcome weakness

LOSS of Points for Format and Technical Criteria

Format and Technical Aspects – (As required by Instructor)

Checked boxes indicate LOSS of points

o All four margins 2.5cm

o Lab title on every page of lab

o Every section has a heading

o Page number of every page.

o Sections out of order

o Bibliography Missing

o References not in APA format