Lab Performance Rubric Example

Category	Meeting Standard	Below Standard
Lab Procedure	1. I talk to my partners about the science behind the experiment. 2. I change only one property at a time to make sure there is a cause and effect. 3. I know what I am going to do, and have a reason for it, before I do anything. 4. I have a set list of procedures and organized data table before I start. 5. I record data and observations during lab in an organized manner 6. I observe objects and events in a variety of ways with my senses and tools, identifying critical properties and details 7. Select and use correct measuring tools 8. Use correct units of measure 9. Measure accurately and precisely using measuring tools 10. Do multiple trials if needed, know when to repeat invalid data	1. I don’t talk to my partners about the science. 2. I change several things at a time. 3. I just start doing things without thinking about why. 4. I have the procedures in my head and write down information all over the paper. 5. I don’t record my data during lab, and then I try to remember what happened . 6. I make quick, non detailed observations 7. I do not use correct measuring tools 8. I do not know or use correct units 9. I measure incorrectly, or do not measure accurately 10. I make one quick measurement without caring about validity.
Directions	11. I always listen to and read the directions carefully 12. I ask a question if I don’t know what to do 13. I follow directions exactly, and make sure my group is doing things correctly 14. I use only the correct amount of materials, so there is enough for other classes	11. I just assume I know what to do, so I don’t listen 12. If I don’t know what to do, I whine (“I don’t get it!”) or just sit there doing nothing 13. I change the directions if I feel like it, and let others in my group play around 14. I sometimes waste materials
Materials	15. I make sure we have all the materials we need 16. I use lab materials only as directed 17. I keep track of materials during lab, and don’t let them fall on the floor or get damaged 18. I report any damaged or missing materials to teacher 19. I make sure we return all of our materials at the end of class 20. I follow directions for waste disposal	15. I wait for other people to give me materials 16. I play with lab materials or misuse them 17. I only pay attention to the materials when I’m using them, and sometimes they fall on the floor or get damaged 18. I hope no one notices when materials are missing or broken 19. I expect others to clean up my group’s materials 20. I put waste in the trash or sink no matter what the teacher says to do
Time Management	21. I get started quickly 22. I know how much time I have for each activity 23. I pace myself so I can finish before time runs out	21. I take a long time to get started 22. I start rushing at the last minute so I can finish 23. I’m surprised or not finished when time runs out
Group Work	24. I divide the work fairly with my partners 25. I talk to my partners about what we are going to do 26. I listen carefully and consider my partner’s ideas. 27. I do my fair share of the work, and do it well 28. I talk to others with respect and use quiet voices 29. We only talk about the lab, at appropriate volume	24. I let one person do most of the work 25. I don’t talk or offer my ideas to my partners. 26. I don’t listen to others’s ideas 27. I rely on others to make sure we did a good job 28. I say whatever I think, regardless of how it makes others feel 29. I talk loudly or talk about non-lab topics
Seating/Movement	30. I stay in my seat unless I’m expected to get up for a specific lab-related reason 31. When I’m out of my seat, I take care of my lab-related business and sit down again right away 32. I don’t run, chase, dance, or make other dangerous movements	30. I get out of my seat whenever I feel like it 31. When I’m out of my seat, I wander around and look for something to do 32. I sometimes chase others, run, or play around while I’m out of my seat
Safety	33. I wear goggles and other safety equipment when told to 34. I keep my goggles on until told to remove them 35. I tell the teacher when an accident or spill occurs 36. I clean up after my group	33. I don’t wear safety equipment if I don’t feel like it 34. I take my goggles off if I feel like it 35. I don’t do anything about spills and accidents 36. I expect others to clean up after my group’s messes
Written Work	37. I know what I’m supposed to turn in and when it’s due 38. I turn in work as directed 39. I write what I am supposed to during the lab and afterwards.	37. I don’t know what the written assignment is 38. I leave my paper on the floor, on my desk, or in my binder 39. I don’t write during lab, and then I try to remember what happened