EARTH SCIENCE

NEW YORK STATE
LAB REQUIREMENTS

EARTH SCIENCE LAB POLICY

The New York State Education Department requires students to complete satisfactory lab reports which represent a minimum of 1200 minutes of lab work before they are permitted to take any science regents exam. “Satisfactory” means the lab reports show the student understood the objectives of the lab, the lab procedures were done correctly, the reports are complete, and the report received a passing grade.

Lab reports will be evaluated using a simple rubric based on the following criteria:
1. All data tables are completed and show the procedures  were done correctly.
2. All graphs are done on graph paper, and are accurate and neat.
3. All required vocabulary is complete, correct and readable.
4. Discussion questions are answered to the best of your ability, and demonstrate an understanding of the    key concepts.
5. Written measurements are labeled with correct units.
6. CONCLUSION QUESTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED!

Take pride in your work. The appearance of your lab will affect your lab grade. Take time to make sure you have completely answered all questions, in your best handwriting, and in complete sentences. Make sure you have filled in all data tables labeled with correct units, and graphs and diagrams are drawn neatly and accurately.

Students who fail to meet the 1200 - minute lab requirement must repeat the entire Earth Science course.

STUDENTS WILL NOT RECEIVE COURSE CREDIT FOR EARTH SCIENCE UNTIL THEY:
1. COMPLETE THE LAB REQUIREMENTS
2. PASS THE CLASS
3. TAKE THE EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS EXAM

The New York State Education Department requires all student lab reports be kept on file for one year after the regents exam is taken. Every student will be given a lab folder, which will remain in a secure place in the classroom, and contain only satisfactory labs. Labs with a failing grade will be returned to the student for corrections to be made. Corrected labs must be turned in within one week, after it is returned, in order to receive credit.
If a student loses a lab report, even after it has been graded, they will not receive credit for that lab. Every report must be kept on file to verify successful completion of requirements.