Not Attempted

Very Poor

Poor

Marginal

Okay

Good

Very

Good

Exceptional

Introduction  (8)   

Present background information relative to the work conducted and help the reader understand why the work was conducted and the major goals of the work.

0

1.5

3

5

5.5

6.5

7

8

Materials and Methods  (10)   

Describe materials used and methods employed in sufficient detail to convey what was done, so that someone else could repeat the experiment.   

0

2

4

6

7

8

9

10

Results  (12)   

Present experimental outcomes by incorporating graphs and tables with appropriate explanatory text. 

0

2.5

5

7

8.5

9.5

11

12

Discussion  (12)   

Interpret and explain the data and discuss the significance of the results.  

0

2.5

5

7

8.5

9.5

11

12

Overall Quality  (8)   

The paper should be presented as a neat, professional document, including correct spelling, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, and logical flow.

0

1.5

3

5

5.5

6.5

7

8

total points = 50

Not Attempted

Section not completed.

Very Poor

Section attempted but incomplete or lack of understanding apparent.

Poor

There is genuine effort to complete the section but there are omissions, numerous errors, or major errors.

Marginal

Section is completed, but there are numerous or major errors.  (D work)

Okay

Section is completed at acceptable or average level.  Some errors may be present but they are mostly minor.  (C work)

Good

Section is completed with several minor errors.  (B work)

Very Good

Section is completed with very few minor errors.  (A work)

Exceptional

Section is completed in a professional manner and is virtually free of errors.  (High A work)

Section

Points

Detailed basis for assigning points:

Introduction

8

Include a brief description of the subject, pertinent background information, the overall objective and hypothesis, the general procedure, predictions and supportive rationale.

Materials and Methods

10

Past tense, passive voice describes the materials and methods used in paragraph, not list, format.  Methods follow a chronological sequence, indicating the progression of activity in the laboratory.  Results should not be included in this section.

Results

12

Information limited to actual results and do not include methodological details or discussion of results.  Data reported accurately, concisely and neatly in appropriate figures and tables.  Information in figure legends and table captions explain what the figure or table shows.  Figures and tables presented appropriately, using correct and consistent formatting.  Description of data in text and text that points to figures and tables.

Discussion

12

Restate and summarize the report objectives.  Include a thorough analysis of the data that clearly explains what the overall results were and their significance.  Interpret and compare results with results from other relevant studies.  State if the project objectives were accomplished and whether the hypothesis was supported.

Overall Quality

8

Include an appropriately formatted “literature cited” section with references cited appropriately throughout the report.  Correct use of spelling and grammar.  Report readable and clear.  Title page includes appropriate information (report title, name, class, and date).