AP Physics

Lab Report Format

AP Physics labs differ widely from those performed in Regents Physics. A good lab report does
more than present data; it demonstrates the writer's comprehension of the concepts behind the data.
Merely recording the expected and observed results is not sufficient; you should also identify how
and why differences occurred, explain how they affected your experiment, and show your
understanding of the principles the experiment was designed to examine. Bear in mind that a format,
however helpful, cannot replace clear thinking and organized writing. You still need to organize your
ideas carefully and express them coherently.
Your final report must include the following sections (the point awarded for each section are listed
in square brackets next to the section name):
1. Introduction [5]
State in your own words what the experiment was supposed to accomplish and/or what questions
it was supposed to answer.
2. Experimental Procedure [10]
In your own words describe what you did. Your procedure must be clear (i.e. a person who has
not done the lab must be able to understand and follow it). When appropriate, please include a
clearly-labeled diagram. The written procedure must demonstrate that you understand how the
experimental data was collected.
3. Experimental Data [15]
Provide your data, sample calculations for each piece of calculated data and final results in this
section. Write a short paragraph which demonstrates your understanding what happened in your
experiment. This will probably be a qualitative statement (but not always).
4. Analysis [15]
Include the analysis of the collected data. When using graphical analysis provide all graphs.
When calculating results, list sample calculations for all calculated values. In your own words
explain the reasoning behind your method for obtaining/calculating final results. In most labs,
analysis section includes a number of questions that need to be answered. Provide complete
answers to each of the questions in the lab.
Describe limitations of equipment and/or procedure which affected the precision of your
results. When actual values of data are known, include the percent error in your report. Discuss
how results can be improved. Note: reports that use the phrase human error will be returned
un-graded. Please be specific in your statements.
5. Conclusion [10]
Answer the following questions: How well did the lab fulfill its purpose? Why? or Why not?
6. Appendices [5 pts]
Any additional paperwork (drawings, diagrams, striker tapes, etc.) produced during the lab must
be included with the final lab report.

Name _______________________________________________ Due Date ___________

Lab ____________________________________________________________________
AP Physics Lab Report Scoring Rubric

I. Introduction ( 5 pts)

II. Experimental Procedure

(10 pts)
include if applicable

III. Experimental Data (15

pts)

Main objective of the lab is clearly stated

(3 pts)

Introduction is clear and concise (2 pts)

Procedure clearly describes the

experiment performed (5 pts)

Written procedure is easy to understand

and follow (5 pts)

All collected data is included (5 pts)

Data is presented in an appropriate

format (5 pts)
Correct units and significant figures are
included with the data (5 pts)

Necessary calculations are performed and

included in the report (3 pts)

Relationships between collected data are

clearly stated (3 pts)

Graphs and charts are correctly scaled

and labeled (4 pts)

Discussion of errors addresses sources

and types of errors (5 pts)

Short description of how results were

obtained and calculated (5 pts)

Final conclusion is clearly stated and its

relationship to the objectives of the lab is
evident (5 pts)

All supplementary materials (including

original data sheets, diagrams, drawings,
etc.) are included with the final report (5
pts)

IV. Analysis (15 pts)

V. Conclusion (10 pts)

VI. Appendices (5 pts)

include if applicable

Total

__________ /60