Scientific Process:
Self Assessment Rubric For students
IMPORTANT:
1. Complete the lab write-up.
2. Use this Scientific Process Rubric to complete the online form.
Area
Excellent
Initiate & Plan
Problem Statement
The problem statement... clearly defines the MV
(manipulated variable) and RV (responding
variable), and it is written as a question.
The problem statement... contains
an MV (manipulated variable) and
RV (responding variable), and it is
written as a question.
The hypothesis... clearly has a prediction of the
direction and magnitude for the RV and is
supported by reasoning based on fact,
experience, or scientific theory.
The hypothesis... has a prediction
of the direction or magnitude for the
RV and is supported by reasoning
based on fact, experience, or
scientific theory.
Identify details that characterize the experiment
as a fair test or not a fair test; Identify at least
three variables that are kept constant and
identify parts of the experiment that could make
it an unfair test.
Identify details that characterize the
experiment as a fair test or not a
fair test; Identify at least one
variable that is kept constant.
Summary of the data with specific references to
change in the variables using clear and
descriptive scientific language. (must include
presence, direction and magnitude)
Summary of the change in the
variables using common language.
(must include presence, direction
and magnitude)
Measurements are shown in a clear and well
organized way (such as a table). Diagrams or
charts clearly show the results.
Measurements are written down
and can be understood. Diagrams
or charts can be understood.
Specific, detailed, and accurate with specific
reference to data. (eg. “My hypothesis was
partially correct because the data shows that six
of the plants grew more than 9cm while two of
the plants only grew 7cm.”)
Accurate with reference to
data. (eg. “My hypothesis was
correct because most of the plants
grew tall.”)
A clear cause and effect explanation; that is
detailed, makes sense, and uses appropriate
scientific language. (*does not have to be the
correct scientific explanation)
A cause and effect explanation that
is understandable. (*does not have
to be the correct scientific
explanation)
1.
2.
Initiate & Plan
Hypothesis
3.
Fair Test
4.
Analysis
Data
Communication
What happened?
Acceptable
5.
Analysis
Graphical Data
Communication
6.
Analysis
Hypothesis
evaluation
Was your
hypothesis correct?
7.
Interpretation
8.
Next Question
Phrased as a problem statement (contains an
MV and RV) and is directly related to the
interpretation. If executed as the next
experiment, it will deepen the understanding of
the concept/phenomena.
Relevant to the lab, and phrased as
question.
Working
Toward