This document provides a grading rubric for lab reports with criteria in 5 areas: introduction, methods, results, discussion/conclusion, and writing mechanics. Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0 to 20, with higher scores indicating more complete and accurate components that clearly communicate the experimental process and outcomes. The rubric provides descriptions of the qualities expected for basic (C-range), proficient (B-range), and exemplary (A-range) performance in each area.

1. SLA Laboratory Report Grading Rubric
Criterion 0 11 (F) 13 (D) 15 (C) 17 (B) 20 (A)
1. INTRODUCTION-
HYPOTHESIS -states
the concept to be
examined, the specific
question asked and
expected outcome. May
include abstract and/or
background concepts
No
report
or
section
missing
1. Experiment topic
missing.

2. 2. Hypothesis missing or
erroneous.
3. No prediction or
expected outcomes
4. No abstract present
where required.
1. Experiment topic poorly
stated or missing.
2. Hypothesis poorly stated or
erroneous.
3. Expected outcome not
related to hypothesis.
4. Inadequate abstract where
required.
1. Experiment topic stated at an
elementary level.
2. Hypothesis clearly stated.
3. Expected outcome supports
hypothesis.
4. Basic abstract present if
required.

3. 1. Experimental concept clearly
stated with some background
support.
2. Hypotheses adequately stated
and related to experimental
concept.
3. Expected outcome logically &
clearly supports hypothesis.
4. Adequate & complete abstract
if required.
1. Experimental concept
clearly stated, logically
related to background
support.
2. Hypothesis clearly,
completely & precisely
stated, related to experimental
concept.
3. Outcome related to
hypothesis
4. Complete, correct abstract

4. if required.
2. MATERIALS &
METHODS- materials
needed and procedure
followed are accurate,
complete, and organized
sufficient to replicate
the experiment.
No
report
or
section
missing
1. Significant errors
and/or omissions in
materials and/or methods.
2. Cannot replicate with
this information.
1. Some materials or

5. procedural information
missing.
2. Little or no clear
organization.
3. Cannot replicate with this
information
1. Materials and procedures
accurate and complete.
2. Poorly organized, difficult to
follow.
3. Minimal information present
needed to possibly replicate.
1. Materials and procedure
complete & accurate.
2. Coherent and logical
organization.
3.Replication possible
1. Materials and procedures
complete & accurate.
2. Information is well
organized, gives clear,

6. accurate and complete steps
to follow.
3. Exact replication is
unambiguous.
3. RESULTS- Data and
analyses presented are
accurate and complete
including explanations
that demonstrate
understanding.
No
report
or
section
missing
Data are not accurate or
are incomplete.
No mathematical analysis
or explanation.
Data incomplete or incorrect.

7. Mathematical analyses and/or
explanations lack
demonstration of basic
understanding.
Raw data complete and well
organized.
Mathematical analyses and
explanations attempted.
Evidence of basic understanding.
Raw data complete and well
organized.
Mathematical analyses and
explanations are clear and show
adequate understanding of all of
the results.
Raw data complete and well
organized.
Mathematical analyses and
explanations are clear and
show a complete
understanding of the results
reported.

8. 4. DISCUSSION &
CONCLUSION-
explain, analyze and
interpret the experiment
and relate this to the
hypothesis. Includes
comparison to assigned
readings.
No
report
or
section
missing
Lacking in any
substantial explanation
and/or analysis and/or
interpretation of the
experiment. No link to
the hypothesis. Lacks
adequate comparison to

9. readings.
Brief, insubstantial or incorrect
explanation and/or analysis
and/or interpretation of the
experiment. Erroneous attempt
to link to the hypothesis. Lacks
adequate comparison to
readings.
Offers a limited accurate
explanation, analysis and
interpretation of the experiment.
Basic linkage created to the
hypothesis. Includes brief,
limited comparison to readings.
Offers a complete and adequate
explanation, analysis and
interpretation of the experiment.
Creates a link to the hypothesis.
Includes a sufficient comparison
to readings.

10. Offers a thorough explanation
and analysis of the
experiment interweaving the
hypothesis with substantial
readings and overarching
themes.
5. WRITING&
REFERENCES
Mechanics of writing –
spelling grammar
syntax use of
terminology and
formatting, adequate
citations (APA, MLA,
AMA etc.)
No
report
Significant errors in
spelling, grammar,

11. syntax and/or use of
terminology. Not
formatted and cited
correctly. Inadequate/no
references cited.
Numerous errors in spelling,
grammar syntax and/or use of
terminology. Little or no
proofreading. Attempts at
formatting and/or citing
correctly. Few references
given.
Rare but important errors in
spelling, grammar syntax and/or
use of terminology. Attempted
proofreading. Most formatted
and/or cited correctly. Adequate
references given.
Few, less than 1 per page, errors
in spelling, grammar, syntax
and/or use of terminology.

12. Adequate proofreading. Almost
all formatted and cited correctly.
Adequate, complete references
given.
No errors in spelling,
grammar, syntax. Complete
and accurate use of all
appropriate terminology. All
references and material
formatted correctly. More
than sufficient references
cited.
Course: PHYS204 Section:
_______________________________
Name: _________________________ Instructor Name:
_______________________
Title:
Describe the specific content of the lab in a concise fashion.
Abstract:
Summarize the main ideas of the introduction, your methods,
your results, your discussion, and your conclusions in a
sentence or two for each section. The abstract should be written
in the past tense. It should include no equations, and the

13. abstract should consist of a single paragraph. What the abstract
should not be is a miniature introduction.
Introduction:
The introduction is to be at least one page in length. The
introduction should state the concept to be examined, the
specific question(s) asked and the expected outcome. It should
also showcase your understanding of the physical principles
involved in the experiment, any formulas used in the analysis,
and any relevant background concepts.
A high quality introduction will state the experimental concept
clearly, and logically relate this concept to supporting
background information. It will state the hypothesis clearly and
precisely, and relate the hypothesis to both the experimental
setup and the module learning outcomes.
Methods:
Provide a concise, easy-to-follow description of the specific
procedures followed in the experiment. Give enough detail of
both the materials and the procedure used so that the experiment
could be replicated by someone who has never done it before.
Do not copy and paste, or simply repeat the directions given in
the course materials.
A high quality methods section will be complete and accurate.
The information will be well organized, and give clear, accurate
and complete steps to follow.
Results:
State the overall findings of the lab. This section should begin
with a paragraph containing any hypotheses formed and tested
during the conduct of the laboratory. This section should also
contain any data collected, sample calculations, analysis, and
plots of the data or results. Describe these results with visuals,
such as tables or graphs, in the order that they matter within the
experiment or tell the story of the data. Describe trends and
supporting information details that promote understanding of
the visuals without making conclusions about the data, as this
will come later in the conclusions section. Refer to visuals as
Table 1, Figure 2, etc.

14. A high quality results section will provide the raw data in a
complete and well organized manner. Any mathematical
analyses and explanations will be clear and show a complete
understanding of the results reported.
Discussion:
Explain what the findings of the lab mean in terms of the
scientific concept or procedure that the lab is about. Be sure to
point to the specific data from your findings as support for your
explanation. Discuss any answers to the questions you raised in
your Introduction, and address other issues that may be
appropriate.
A high quality discussion will offer a thorough explanation and
analysis of the experiment, interweaving the hypothesis with
substantial readings and overarching themes.
Conclusion:
State what you have learned about the main focus of the
experiment, the scientific concept, or the lab procedure. Give
enough details of what you have learned to be convincing, and
describe anything else you may have learned from doing the lab
and writing the report: for example, something you found
particularly interesting, methods of analyzing data you found
useful, anything about using a spreadsheet or graphing, etc.
A high quality conclusion will offer insights connecting the
experimental setup with the hypothesis and the physical
principle under investigation.
Writing and References:
Include all the sources you have used in writing your
experiment report, such as a lab manual, a textbook, and any
reference books or articles you cited.
· Use the appropriate documentation style for citations and
references (CBE, ACS, etc.)
· Use the correct format (titles, captions, etc.) for the tables,
graphs, and drawings
· Write in a scientific style (tone should be objective; sentences

15. should be clear and to the point)
· Make sure your report is clear of spelling and grammatical
errors (use the spell check on your computer
· Include all the necessary headings if you do not use the
template accessible next to this document within the Experiment
drop box.
Adopted and adapted from work by educators of North Carolina
State University.
© Copyright NC State University 2004
Sponsored and funded by National Science Foundation
(DUE-9950405 and DUE-0231086)
Course: PHYS204 Section:
_______________________________
Name: _________________________ Instructor Name:
_______________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
Title: (Use a hard return or your inserted text to make more
space between sections. You can delete these instructions.)
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
Abstract:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
Introduction:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
Methods:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________

16. Results: (Use a hard return or your inserted text to make more
space between sections. For example, this results section could
be 1 – 10 pages all by itself, depending on the amount of math
to explain data, charts, graphs, and tables used to explain data.
You can delete these instructions.)
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
Discussion:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
Conclusion:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________
References: (The following website explains the AIP or
American Institute of Physics style of citing in Physics:
http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/tutorials/citing/aip.html)
While completing the experiment Electromagnetic Induction,
make sure to keep the following guiding questions in mind:
· Is the magnitude of the magnetic field the primary determinant
in the Emf induced in the coil? If not, then what is the primary
determinate of the magnitude of the induced Emf?
· How is relative motion between the field and coil induced?
What controls do you have for changing the relative motion?
What is the relationship between the units of RPM and radians
per second?
· How can ratios be used in an experiment when data is only
available in the form of relative magnitudes?
To complete the experiment you will need to:
1. Be prepared with a laboratory notebook to record your
observations.
2. Click the image to open the simulation experiment.

17. 3. Perform the experiment as described.
4. Transfer your data and results from your laboratory notebook
into the lab report template provided at the end of this
experiment description.
5. Submit your version of the laboratory experiment report.
In your laboratory notebook, you will collect data, make
observations, and ponder the questions posed within the lab
instructions. Thus, the notebook should contain all the data
collected and analysis performed, which will be invaluable to
you as you write the results section of your laboratory report.
Furthermore, the notebook should contain your observations
and thoughts, which will allow you to address the questions
posed, both for the discussion section in the laboratory report
and in helping you to participate in the online discussion
included in the module.
M4A1 Experiment: Electromagnetic Induction
PART I - Faraday’s Law and Relative Motion
Start the simulation “Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab ” by
clicking on the image below:
http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/faraday_en.jnlp
http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/faraday/faraday_en.jnlp
· Select the tab labeled “Pickup Coil.”

18. · Move the bar magnet to various static (“nonmoving”)
positions.
Note that any static position from which the magnet seems to
induce a potential in the coil seems to cause the bulb to shine
brightly. Try various static positions, including near and far
positions. Use the simulation controls to flip the field. Note
your observations in your laboratory notebook. Pick other
controls available in the simulation to vary the field. What do
your observations imply about the magnitude and direction of
the magnetic field in inducing an electromotive force in the
pickup coil? Do your observations indicate any other factors
that might induce an EMF in the pickup coil, and thus, cause the
bulb to shine?
Note any factors that will induce an EMF in your notebook.
Investigate the general relationship between the magnitude of
the bulb brightness and the particular factor you are
considering. Your investigation should indicate whether bigger,
faster, further, or more causes the bulb to burn brighter than the
converse.
Part II - Parameters effecting Generator Performance
· Select the generator tab of the simulation.
· In the simulation, controls select the voltmeter to replace the
bulb.
You will note that the voltmeter scale is not calibrated, but that
you can still compare various potential readings by counting
“tick marks” on the face of the meter. Using this scale to collect
data, vary the relationship between the maximum electromotive
force EMFmax produced and the various parameters in the
generator equation, EMF = ωNBAsin(ωt). Specifically, vary the
angular frequency (ω) (by adjusting the water flow through the
spigot on the left), number of loops (N), and area of the loop
(A). Choose one parameter and produce a plot of EMFmax vs.
the parameter. Be sure to use at least 10 data points. Record the
results in your laboratory notebook.
PART III - Calibrating the Galvanometer
The voltmeter scale is uncalibrated in part because we are

19. missing two values: 1) the average of the peak magnetic field
strengths across the surface bounded by the loops in the pickup
coil, and 2) the maximum area of the loops of the pickup coil.
Given that the maximum area of the loop is 0.75m², and the
maximum magnetic field strength at the location of the coil is
0.6 T, you should be able to find the value of a single tick mark
on the voltmeter scale.
In your laboratory notebook write down a detailed procedure for
doing so. Carry out this measurement with angular speeds of 25,
50, and 100 RPM. Are these values comparable? Do they need
to be for the meter to be useful? Why or why not?
1. The Lab Report
Click here for a lab report template [DOCX file size 12.6 KB],
and click here for an explanation of each lab component [DOCX
file size 17.4 KB].
· Write an introduction of at least 1 page in length. The
introduction should showcase your understanding of
electromagnetic induction.
· Write a methods section describing in your own words the
experimental procedure used to complete each activity. Do not
copy and paste, or simply repeat the directions given in the
course materials.
· Write a results section. This section should begin with a
paragraph containing any hypotheses formed and tested during
the conduct of the laboratory. This section should also contain
any data collected, sample calculations, analysis, and plots of
the data or results.
· Write your discussion section specifically addressing how
your results did or did not support any hypothesis used in this
laboratory.
· Write your conclusion. This section should be brief, at most,
one or two paragraphs; connect the discussion with the
information contained in the introduction.
· Write the abstract. While this is the first section of your lab
report, it should be written last. This section should be written
in the past tense, in the third person, and should be a summary

20. of the entire laboratory report.
Compose your work using a word processor (or other software
as appropriate) and save it frequently to your computer. When
you're ready to submit your work, click Browse My Computer
and find your file. Once you've located your file click Open
and, if successful, the file name will appear under the Attached
files heading. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click Submit and
you're done. Be sure to check your work and correct any
spelling or grammatical errors before you post it.
You will be evaluated on the validity of your recorded results
and the completeness and quality of your presentation of those
results within the experiment report, based on the Lab Report
Grading Rubric [PDF file size 63.7 KB].