Scientific Explanation
Rubric
Name: ________________________________________________________ Date: _____/_____/_____ Due Date: _____/_____/_____ Period: _____
Element
Claim
Evidence
Exemplary
3
The claim demonstrates a deep
understanding of the science
topic.
Accomplished
2
The claim demonstrates an
understanding of the science
topic.
All evidence used to support the Most evidence used to support
claim is accurate, sufficient, and the claim is accurate, sufficient,
appropriate.
and appropriate.
Thoroughly relates evidence to
a scientific principle in order to
Reasoning support the claim; reasoning is
logical, complete, and accurate.
Writing
Quality
and
Clarity
• Writing uses clear, concise,
and expressive language.
 Writing accurately includes
scientific terms and
vocabulary.
Rubric
Total
12  5
11  4.5
Somewhat relates evidence to a
scientific principle in order to
support the claim; reasoning is
mostly logical, complete, and
accurate.
• Writing uses clear and
understandable language.
• Writing accurately includes
scientific terms and
vocabulary.
Errors in grammar and spelling will
9 - 8  3.5
7 3
Beginning
0
No claim is provided.
Some evidence used to support
the claim is accurate, sufficient,
and appropriate.
No evidence is provided.
Reasoning is illogical,
incomplete, or inaccurate.
No reasoning is given.
• Writing uses clear and
understandable language.
• Writing uses conventional
terminology and vocabulary.
• Writing does not use clear
and understandable
language.
• Writing uses conventional
terminology and vocabulary.
Overall
Total
Grammar & Spelling
10  4
Developing
1
The claim is inaccurate/ or
implausible.
6  2.5
5 2
4 - 3  1.5
Mastery Score
2 1
1  0.5
0 0
result in a one point deduction.

12  5
11  4.5
10  4

9 - 8  3.5
7 3
6  2.5

5 2
4 - 3  1.5
2 1
1  0.5
0 0