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W1.
A Wiggle in Time Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes plots of position-time and velocity-time. Plots are complete and reasonable representations of the motion.
_____
Conclusion/Discussion provides a simple description of the mass’s motion, a description of how the position and the velocity change with respect to the time; a mathematical language is used in the description.
W2.
Period of a Pendulum Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes several tables of data – one for each variable; column headings and units are stated. Data appears to be systematically collected; controlled the variables well. Data appears accurate. Included a graph of period versus the independent variable (the one which has an effect on the period). Performed power regression, recorded the statistics (A, B, power and R) and wrote the equation; avoided y and x in the equation and used symbols of actual variables being studied.
_____
Conclusion identifies the variables effecting and not affecting the period and identifies the equation relating the period to the length of the pendulum. Defined symbols used in the equation.
_____
Discussion of Results explains why the variables not affecting the period were ruled out; references data to support the conclusion. Identified the experimentally derived equation relating the period to the length. An error analysis is performed to evaluate reliability of equation; compares equation to that found in the textbook or other locations. Performs percent errors for the coefficient value and the power value.
W3.
A Wiggle in Time and Space Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes observations pertaining to particle motion and wave motion for transverse waves; might be complemented by a well-labeled diagram. Observations are clearly written and relevant to the question proposed in the Purpose.
_____
Conclusion/Discussion includes a well-written paragraph in which wave motion is compared to the motion of a mass on a spring. Ways in which they are similar or different is discussed.
W5.
Speed of a Wave Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes the provided data table; organized and accurate calculations are clearly shown for the requested rows. Standing wave patterns are clearly drawn. Calculations are accurate and complete.
_____
Conclusion accurately states the variables which do and do not affect the wave speed.
_____
Discussion of Results provides the logical support for the conclusion. References specific results to show how there is a non-effect or an effect of a changing variable upon the wave speed. Uses good logic and good writing.
W6.
Vibrating Spring Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes nodal spacing distance and frequency data for the spring; organized in a table with column headings and units indicated. An analysis of the data is clearly evident; this analysis may be in the form of a graph (with power regression or linear regression statistics clearly reported), a trial-and-error number-crunching routine (multiplying, dividing, raising to a power, etc.)
_____
Conclusion answers the question posed in the Purpose. The mathematical equation determined by the analysis is reported; symbols in the equation are defined. The relationship between the two variables is described in words - e.g., direct, inverse, linear, power, etc.
_____
Discussion of Results explains the meaning of the equation; the equation is related to the wave equation; the distance between adjacent nodes is related to the wavelength; the meaning of any constant numerical values within the equation are discussed. The discussion is complete, thorough, and reveals both effort and understanding.
W7.
Nodes and Antinodes Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes a table of data organized in a row-column format; column headings and units are provided. Some form of numerical analysis is evident. If a linear regression analysis is used, a sample plot with statistical data is provided. If trial-and-error equation fitting is used, a clear documentation of unsuccessful and successful efforts is provided. (Scratchouts, wrong turns, and scribbles are expected.) All efforts to determine the equation reveal good logic and problem-solving ability; documentation is thorough.
_____
Conclusion/Discussion reports the equation which best fits the data. The evidence which logically supports the equation is thoroughly discussed. The equation is relatively accurate and consistent with the data. An error analysis is provided: the degree of certainty with the equation is discussed; possible alternative equations are mentioned.
W8.
Harmonic Frequencies Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes a table with harmonic number, wave pattern, and frequency. Stated column headings and units. Data is reasonably accurate.
_____
Conclusion includes a couple of well-written sentences to introduce the mathematical equation which relates the various harmonic frequencies. Meaning of symbols within the equation are defined.
_____
Discussion of Results explains the logical connection between the collected data and the stated equation. Discusses specific results to show how the equation fits the data.
W9.
Wave Behavior Demonstration Lab
Score
_____
Included, labeled and organized all parts of the lab report.
_____ / _____
_____
Data section includes several sections in which meaningful observations are recorded to describe the various behavior of the waves. Labeled diagrams were included where appropriate; diagrams are clear and informative.
_____
Conclusion/Discussion provides a thorough description of each behavior using well-written sentences and paragraphs. Details regarding when the behavior occurs, what the behavior involves and how the behavior occurs are addressed. Demonstrated a meaningful understanding of wave behavior.