Rubric for graph and answers to questions for guided approach.

Section / Excellent / Good / Poor / Points Available
Graph Basics / -Axes are appropriately labeled with the dependent variable on the y-axis and independent variable on the x-axis; units of measure are included.
-Appropriate scaling is utilized, including consistent intervals in numbering, tick marks, and full range of data.
-Appropriate graph type is used, such as line graph for dependent and independent continuous variables and bar graph for continuous dependent and categorical independent variable.
-Attention to detail indicates a high level of organization and effort. / Similar to Excellent, however, minor omissions in labeled axes, scaling, graph type, and/or typos occur leading to visually confusing figures. Overall, the Graphs have the basics in place but the few minor omissions indicate a lack of organization and effort by the author. / Basic components of figure are lacking or many omissions are present. Graphs are inadequate. / 4
Graphs Matches Hypothesis / Graph enables reader to quickly perceive the numerical results of the hypothesized pattern for the dependent and independent variables. / Similar to Excellent, however, minor omissions in clarity. / Author fail to match hypothesis with graph. / 1
Graph Legend/Caption / Graph legend/caption accompanies each graph (placed below the graph) and completely describes the graph, enabling it to stand-alone (includes dependent and independent axis labels, and sample size). / Similar to Excellent, however, legend does not fully stand-alone and/or typos, awkward wording lead to some confusion for reader. / Legend is lacking fundamental components, such that the reader can’t discern the basic ideas and/or many typos and awkward wording lead to complete confusion for reader. / 2
What does the graph say? / Includes a 1-2 sentence statement clearly describing the data pattern such that the reader could recreate the graph from the statement alone. / Similar to Excellent, however, minor omission in clarity. / Author fails to state the data pattern shown in the graph. / 2
What does the graph mean? / Includes a 1-2 sentence statement that interprets the larger meaning of the data pattern, including whether the hypothesis was supported. / Similar to Excellent, however, minor omission in clarity. / Author fails to state the meaning of the graph. / 2
Answers to Discussion Questions / Answers all assigned questions and thoroughly. Answers indicate a high level of understanding and effort by the author. / Similar to Excellent, however not all questions are answered thoroughly or level of understanding is somewhat lacking. / Author omits answers to key questions and/or answers are unclear and show a lack of understanding. / 4

Beckstead, J., A. N. Lagasse, and S. R. Robinson. February 2011, posting date. Exploring the population dynamics of wintering bald eagles through long-term data. Teaching Issues and Experiments in EcologyVol.7: Data sets [online].