Unsatisfactory Satisfactory More than satisfactory

0%  50%  80%  100%

Abstract (50 – 100 words) Several major aspects of the Abstract includes all expected Abstract includes all expected elements and these are expressed concisely and
experiment are missing, a clear lack elements, although these may not be precisely
A SUMMARY OF EVERYTHING. The of understanding about how to write clearly expressed.
abstract should stand alone. an abstract.

 briefly summarise why you are doing the

experiment (the thing you are trying to find
out)
 how you went about it (your method)
 and what you discovered (your key results)
including numerical results AND
uncertainty.
Introduction (150-250 words) Information is limited, Information is relevant with logical Information is relevant, clearly written, within word limit and set out in
incorrect and/or irrelevant, does not links to the next section logical order including relevant references.
 Background information required to flow logically.
appreciate this experiment
 equations THAT YOU WILL USE
 a brief statement of what you will try to do in
this experiment (eg, "measure the density of
wood using Archimedes principle").

Method Description is difficult to follow Procedures are described in logical Concise, complete description with an explanation of equipment, set-up and
and/or lacks detail. Experiment order. Some minor details missing. techniques including relevant diagrams.
Describe the experimental method in general could not be easily repeated from
terms with enough detail so that the reader information provided.
could REPEAT THE EXPERIMENT
THEMSELVES.

 Explains the experimental design and

procedure
 Concise, logical description with diagrams as
needed
 Do not report results in your method
 Use PAST TENSE (it should not read like a
recipe).
Results Poor data collection and/or Adequate data collection presented Excellent collection, collation and presentation of data in clear appropriate
 Collected data presented in labelled tables presentation: Figures, graphs, tables in appropriate graphs and tables. graphs and/or tables.
&/or graphs are poorly constructed, with
 Written summary identifies data patterns & inconsistent data, have missing titles,
trends captions or numbers, units missing
 Observations and calculation of experimental or incorrect, etc.
uncertainties Written summary of results is lacking Description makes an attempt to Concisely written and refers to graphs and tables. Clearly notes the scientific
or very limited. No trends or identify the scientific trends and trends and significant features of the data.
significant features identified. significant features of the data, but is

Discussion (max. 250 words)
 Describe how your data was interpreted to
get your final result
 What were the sources of error/limitations in
your experiment? How might these be
addressed?
 Make sure you answer any questions posed in
the lab notes in this section (as statements
which flow as part of the discussion).
Data presented without
consideration of certainty and/or
estimate of certainty not presented
with final results
Data is re-stated rather than
interpreted. Writing demonstrates a
lack of understanding of scientific
concepts and/or is not organised in a
logical manner.
not as insightful as it might be, or is
restricted because of a poor data set.
Final results includes appropriate Data and observations clearly deal with significant uncertain-ties. Results are
measure of certainty quoted with appropriate number of significant figures.
Data is summarised and interpreted Data is summarised and interpreted and demonstrates a good understanding
but there may be problems in the of methodological issues
logical flow of the ideas presented.

The discussion section serves to demonstrate

that you've thought about and understand the
key concepts behind the lab. It needs to link
strongly back to the theory. Try to do more
than simply state whether or not the relevant
laws were verified.
Conclusion Little or no conclusion provided. Conclusion is limited or lacks insight Conclusions are presented in a logical and insightful manner.

Restate and summarise:

 what you did
 the main outcomes
 the key results including numerical values
and uncertainties
 suggest methodological refinements if
appropriate
** English Expression Poor sentence structure, punctuation Ideas are expressed in a formal Ideas are eloquently expressed in a formal academic style, using appropriate
 Scientific academic style , terminology and and inappropriate academic style, although there may vocabulary. There are no, or very few, grammar, punctuation and spelling
conventions vocabulary. Language lacks be minor sentence structure, errors.
 Grammar/vocabulary/punctuation/spelling academic and scientific conventions. punctuation and spelling errors.
Dot points used instead of paragraph
structure.

Assessment Criteria and Standards for first year prac reports

*Each criterion is of equal weight (10%), except the ‘Discussion’ criterion, which is weighted twice that of the others (20%).
** The ‘English Expression’ criteria needs to be ‘satisfactory’, in order for the prac report to be marked.