GRADING RUBRIC FOR AP LAB
Advanced Proficient
Purpose Problem is appropriately
identified. Precise, clear and
relevant explanation
Background Establishes the scientific
concept of lab by integrating
observations, prior
knowledge and research.
Hypothesis Association between the
problem and the predicted
results is direct and relevant•
Hypothesis clearly refutes or
defends established
knowledge and is fully
supported • Student
demonstrates facility in the
use of scientific concepts
and vocabulary
I/D Variables Independent, dependent
variables are clearly
operationalized including
units of measure and range.
Control Variables
All significant control
variables clearly identified,
clear operational impacts are
given and specific method of
control
Experimental
Design
Design is a well-constructed
(Materials &
test of the stated hypothesis
Procedure)
• List of materials and
controls is complete and
thoroughly described • The
description of the experiment
is complete, insuring that it
can be replicated
• Safety concerns are fully
addressed and procedures
for conducting the
experiment insure that there
is little or no risk to student
safety
All significant data
measured, measures of
Data Collection
accuracy are included • Data
recorded effectively and
efficiently
The data table well-designed
to the task requirements
All mathematical calculations
demonstrated •
Data Processing
Graphic Data Analysis All graph forms are
appropriate, multiple graphs
used as warranted
• All data points accurately
plotted
Basic
Problem sufficiently
identified with some validity.
Basic relevant explanation
Establishes the scientific
concept of lab by
summarizing observations,
prior knowledge and
research.
Reasonable association
between the problem and
the predicted results•
Hypothesis has a
reasonable relationship with
established knowledge; this
relationship is
generally supported
• Scientific concepts and
vocabulary used without
significant error
• Independent, dependent
variables are operationalized
including measures OR
ranges
Some control variables are
identified, impacts are given
in non operational form and
method of control is given
but not specific
Design is adequate to test
the hypothesis • List of
materials and controls is
complete and some
description provided
• Description makes it likely
that the experiment can be
reliably replicated
• All major safety concerns
are adequately addressed;
procedures adopted are
likely to produce a safe
experiment.
All significant data measured
with some checks placed on
measurement for accuracy •
Data recorded effectively •
The data table is relevant to
the task requirements
Some mathematical
examples shown
Graph form is appropriate,
multiple graphs used as
warranted • All data points
included and accurately
plotted
Below Basic
Problem partially identified
with partial validity. Limited
relevant explanation
Establishes the scientific
concept of lab by applying
observations, prior
knowledge and research.
Association between
problem and predicted
results• Hypothesis has
some relationship to
established knowledge but is
not supported
• Scientific concepts and
vocabulary used, but
contains errors
• Variables identified and
some attempt to
operationalize variables
Some control variables are
identified impacts and
method of control are given
but are vaguely written
Design has general
relevance to the hypothesis •
List of materials and controls
is nearly complete, missing
at least one important item
• Description makes it
possible to replicate the
experiment if researcher
makes some inferences •
Safety concerns miss at
least one important
consideration
Most data are collected but
checks are not placed on
measurement to insure
accuracy • Data are
recorded in a manner that
threatens reliability • Data
table incomplete or contain
inconsistencies
Limited mathematical
examples
Graph form is appropriate
• All data points included,
some inaccurately plotted
• Labeling lacks clarity
• Intervals are appropriate
Statement of problem is
irrelevant or erroneous.
Limited or no relevant
explanation
States observations or prior
knowledge about the topic
Unreasonable association
between problem and
predicted results• Defends or
challenges established
knowledge • Scant use of
scientific concepts and
vocabulary
• Variables identified but not
operationalized
Few control variables are
identified, impacts and
methods are limited and
vague
is not relevant to the
hypothesis • List of materials
and controls incomplete •
Some procedural
components generally
described but are not
replicable • Safety concerns
are not specified, are
irrelevant or are not
appropriate to the
experiment
Data are inaccurate
• Data are haphazardly
recorded • Data table
missing
No data processing is
presented.
Graph form inappropriate
• Data points missing or
incorrect • Inappropriate
labeling • Intervals
inappropriate
Measures of accuracy
missing
 • Labeling clear, includes
units and uncertainty where
available. • Intervals
appropriate measures of
accuracy included
• Graph visually compelling,
highlights conclusions of the
study
Verbal Data Analysis Discussion of data
successfully integrates a
discussion of the verbal and
visual data collected with
respect to the purpose of the
experiment, the hypothesis
and variables. Discussion
shows a clear evaluation of
the data using synthesis of
data and knowledge.
Conclusion Conclusion precisely stated,
relates directly to support or
non-support of the
hypothesis
• Conclusion uses
operational terms and
suggests how the conclusion
has relevancy in resolution
of the original problem (data
included)
Evaluation Clear, accurate analysis of
the errors/ problems in the
experiment procedure. A
discussion of error sources
is clear, concise and
complete WITHOUT
reference to HUMAN
ERROR. Clear and concise
suggestions are provided for
each area identified
• Labeling clear includes
units
• Intervals appropriate
measures of accuracy
included.
• Graph visually designed to
assist reader
Discussion of the data
shows a relationship
between the verbal and
visual data. The discussion
is a clear analysis of the
data with respect to the
purpose and hypothesis
based on classroom
knowledge.
Conclusion precise, related
to the hypothesis
• Conclusion uses
operational terms of the
experiment and attempts to
translate the conclusion to
make it relevant to the
original problem
A discussion of errors or
problems is provided without
reference to human error.
Vague suggestions for
changes are provided
Measures of accuracy
missing
Discussion of the data Discussion is a reiteration of
attempts to show a the data presented and
relationship between the provides no application or
collected data and the analysis of the data with
purpose and/or hypothesis. respect to the hypothesis or
some attempt is made to purpose.
apply the data to classroom
knowledge
Conclusion too general or Inconclusive, or conclusion
over-reaches the data not warranted by data
analysis analysis
• Conclusion uses the
language of the experiment
but does not translate
conclusion to its relevance to
the original problem - •
A discussion of possible No Evaluation is provided or
error or problem sources is evaluation only references
provided. Without human errors.
suggestion for changes.