AI in Assessment Example: Level 3

Lab Report (Biology)

At this “AI Collaboration” level of the five-level AI Assessment Scale (Perkins, et al., 2024) students can use Al to help complete the task, including idea generation, drafting, feedback, and refinement. Students should critically evaluate and modify the Al suggested outputs, demonstrating their own understanding.

Course: BIOL 160 – General Biology

Assignment Title: Writing a Lab Report on [Experiment Title]

Due Date: [Insert Due Date]

Assignment Overview:
In this assignment, you will write a lab report based on an experiment conducted in class. AI tools are permitted to assist in improving the clarity, organization, and grammar of your report. However, the research, data analysis, and core content must be your original work. AI should be used collaboratively to refine your writing without altering the scientific integrity or accuracy of the data presented. The final submission will include both the original draft and the AI-enhanced version, with reflections on how AI contributed to the editing process.

Objectives:

To accurately report and analyze experimental data in a structured and coherent lab report.
To use AI tools to improve the clarity, organization, and grammatical accuracy of your writing.
To reflect on the role of AI in enhancing the readability and quality of your scientific report while maintaining accuracy and integrity.

Instructions:

Conducting the Experiment:
- Perform the assigned experiment as directed in class. Collect and record all relevant data, observations, and results meticulously, ensuring accuracy and thorough documentation.
- Keep detailed notes of your experimental procedure, as these will form the basis of your materials and methods section.
Writing the Initial Lab Report:
- Write an initial draft of your lab report, ensuring that it includes the following sections:
  - Introduction: Provide background information on the experiment, including the scientific principles involved and the objectives of the experiment.
  - Materials and Methods: Describe the procedures and materials used in the experiment in a detailed and replicable manner.
  - Results: Present the data collected during the experiment, including tables, graphs, and any relevant statistical analyses.
  - Discussion: Analyze the results, explaining their significance in relation to the hypothesis and the broader scientific context.
  - Conclusion: Summarize the findings and their implications, and suggest possible areas for further research or improvements to the experimental design.
AI-Assisted Editing:
- Use AI tools to review and edit your lab report, focusing on improving clarity, grammar, and overall readability. AI can assist in rephrasing complex sentences, correcting grammatical errors, and enhancing the organization of your report.
- Critically evaluate the AI-generated suggestions, ensuring that any edits do not alter the scientific meaning, misrepresent the data, or compromise the accuracy of your report. Make informed decisions about which AI suggestions to accept, modify, or reject.
Submission of Drafts and Reflective Commentary:
- Submit both the original draft and the AI-assisted final version of your lab report (6-8 pages). Clearly highlight or annotate sections where AI made significant contributions, providing explanations for your decisions to accept or modify those edits.
- Write a reflective commentary (1-2 pages) discussing how AI was used in the editing process. Reflect on how AI-assisted editing improved your report, the challenges you faced in maintaining scientific accuracy, and your approach to integrating AI suggestions into your final submission.
Final Submission:
- Submit the final lab report, along with the original draft and the reflective commentary, ensuring that all AI-assisted edits are clearly documented and justified.

Evaluation Criteria:

– Accuracy of Data and Analysis (30%): Accurately reporting experimental data and providing a clear, logical analysis that adheres to scientific standards.

– Critical Engagement with AI Tools (25%): Effectively using AI to improve the clarity, organization, and readability of your report while critically evaluating AI suggestions.

– Clarity and Scientific Rigor (20%): Presenting a well-written, concise, and scientifically accurate lab report that demonstrates a deep understanding of the experiment.

– Reflective Commentary (15%): Providing thoughtful reflection on AI’s role in the editing process and its impact on your final submission.

– Documentation of Changes (10%): Clearly highlighting AI-driven edits and justifying your acceptance or rejection of those changes.

Support and Resources:

– AI Tools and Software: Access to AI tools such as [specify tools, e.g., Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, Quillbot] will be provided through the university’s biology department. Tutorials on using these tools for scientific writing and editing will be available at the beginning of the assignment period.

– Workshops and Tutorials: Attend workshops focused on AI-assisted editing, covering techniques for improving scientific writing, refining report structure, and ensuring clarity and coherence.

– Office Hours: Schedule office hours with your instructor to discuss your lab report, AI tool use, and strategies for critically evaluating AI-generated suggestions.

– Library Resources: The university library offers access to biology journals, databases, and relevant scientific literature. Librarians can assist you in finding sources and navigating AI tools for writing and editing.

– Peer Collaboration: Participate in peer review sessions where you can present your AI-enhanced draft and receive feedback on how to further refine and improve your lab report.

Academic Integrity:
Ensure that all AI-assisted edits are transparently documented and critically evaluated. Misuse of AI, such as altering scientific data or failing to engage with AI suggestions critically, will be treated as a violation of academic integrity.

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