Newton's Laws Lab Ruberics

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NL1. Pass the Water Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes an organized documentation of observations. Observations are reasonably accurate and (most of all) clear.
_____ Conclusion answers the question posed in the Purpose; answer is correct.
_____ Discussion of Results relates the findings of the labs to Newton's first law of motion. Discussion is clear, thoughtful, and specific to the lab experience.
NL2. Galileo for a Day Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes a record of your investigation – showing the various velocity-time graph results for the trials of varying friction. Graphs are clearly labeled (axes labels and information about the level of friction). Graphs appear accurate and suitable to the task of drawing a conclusion.
_____ Conclusion accurately answers the question posed in the purpose (as always).
_____ Discussion of Results discusses how the evidence (observations from the Data section) supports such a conclusion. Accurately extrapolated the results of study to predict the expected result under the condition of no friction.
_____ Post-lab questions were included and completely and accurately answered.
NL3. Wait! Hmmm. Gee. Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes the data table with labeled columns and units. A sketch of plot is included; axes are labeled; results of linear regression analysis is included. Class data is reported
_____ Conclusion states the relationship between the mass and the force of gravity. An equation is reported; symbols are defined.
NL4. F-m-a Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes two Logger Pro plots (sketches only) with the mass and the slope of the best fit line recorded for each. Axes are labeled and units reported. Class data are included and labeled as such.
_____ Conclusion describes the relationship and reports the experimentally-derived equation relating force, mass and acceleration; symbols are defined.
_____ Discussion of results accurately and thoroughly explains the logical connection between the data and the reported equation. An error analysis is included.
NL5. Coffee Filter Skydiver Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes a sketch of the two LabPro plots (velocity-time and acceleration-time) for a falling coffee filter; axes are labeled.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion accurately and thoroughly describes how the velocity and acceleration of the filter changed over time. References are made to specific parts of each graph to support such conclusions. Efforts to explain such changes using Newton’s laws are thorough, logical and intelligent.
NL6. From a Feather to an Elephant Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes terminal velocity information for the various trials - either as velocity-time graphs or actual readings from such graphs; axes are labeled; units are indicated, results are organized and clearly recorded.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion describes the effect of varying mass on the terminal velocity. Actual data which supports such a conclusion are referenced and explained.
NL7. Falling Body Spreadsheet Study Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Purpose section includes a succinctly worded statement which clarifies the intention of the study.
_____ Description of Study section describes details related to how the study was conducted. Independent and dependent variables are discussed. The procedure which was used was related to the purpose.
_____ Data section identifies the input variables for all trials; units are stated. Reasonable values were used for all inputs. Relevant output variables are clearly stated in an organized fashion. Included a relevant trajectory plot and at least one other plot for each trial.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion provides the answer to the question posed in the Purpose. Answer is relevant to the purpose and reasonable. Evidence which supports the conclusions are discussed in a rational manner.
NL8. Sliding Friction Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes tabulated data in a row-column format with units about the Ffrict-static, Ffrict-sliding, and Fnorm values; appropriate plots are constructed and the results of linear regression analysis are correctly and clearly reported. Data appear reasonable as reflected by the regression constant and slope value.
_____ Conclusion states the experimentally determined values of the coefficients.
_____ Discussion of Results explains the rationale behind the connection between the graphs and the reported coefficients.
NL9. Mu Shoe Physics Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Description of Study section describes the methods used to conduct the study. Includes diagram where relevant. Discussed details regarding how the shoes were pulled and the direction of pull, how the normal and the friction forces were measured and the range of values used. The rationale behind such methods was clearly, thoroughly and accurately explained.
_____ Data section includes a table of collected data; units were included. Trials were repeated to ensure reliable results; averaging was conducted. Coefficients of static friction for at least three shoes were calculated for both longitudinal and lateral movements. Work is shown for calculations.
_____ Conclusion states all coefficient values and ranks the shoes according to relative effectiveness for providing traction. Conclusions are clear and complete.
_____ Discussion of Results provides a reflection upon the results of the study. Errors are analyzed and alternative approaches are suggested.
NL10. Breaking Strength Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes an informative and labeled diagram. Measured data (with units) are stated clearly. Observational notes are included to provide insight into any irregularities in the data. Disregarded trials are noted and an average value is calculated. Results appear reliable based on precision.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion provides an answer to the question posed in the Purpose and discusses details related to the study and the task of achieving reliable results.
NL11. Two Body Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes an informative and labeled diagram. Measured data (with units) are stated clearly. Relevant calculations are conducted; work is clearly shown and organized.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion describes the mathematical relationships and states the equation which expresses the relationship; meaning of symbols are defined. Conclusion is supported by intelligent references to the data and calculations. Discussion reveals a clear and thorough understanding.
NL12. Ut Tensio, Sic Vis Lab Score
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report. _____ / _____
_____ Data section includes collected data organized in a row-column format; units and column headings are indicated. A sketch of the plotted data is provided, and the results of the linear regression analysis (slope, y-intercept and regression constant) are reported.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion identifies the mathematical equation relating the stretch distance and the applied force; symbols in the equation are defined. The meaning of the Ut tensio, sic vis title is discussed and related to the lab findings. The meaning of the numerical constant in the equation should be discussed.
NL13. Normal Force-o-meter Lab Score
_____ The normal force-o-meter was carefully and successfully constructed. _____ / _____
_____ Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ Data section includes collected data for the four different locations of the simulated free fall ride. Free-body diagrams (with clearly labeled force types) are used to calculate the net force and acceleration for each of the four locations; work is clearly shown and labeled; calculations are accurate.
_____ Conclusion/Discussion thoroughly and accurately describes how the stretch of the spring on the constructed normal force-o-meter allows one to determine the acceleration. Discussion reveals a high level of understanding.