Scientific Explanation
Scientific Explanation Scoring Rubric
PURPOSE
EVIDENCE
CLAIM
EXPLANATION
CRITIQUE
MECHANICS
3 points
Understands the
purpose of writing a
scientific explanation as
well as the components;
can explain the
similarities and
differences between
scientific explanations
and everyday
explanations
2 points
Understands the purpose
of writing a scientific
explanation OR the
components AND can
explain the similarities and
differences between
scientific explanations and
everyday explanations
1 point
Understands the purpose
of writing a scientific
explanation OR the
components OR can
explain the similarities and
differences between
scientific explanations and
everyday explanations
0 points
No response, or
response not
appropriate
Data that is collected
helps answer the
question or problem;
data comes from a
variety of resources;
evidence is both
appropriate and
sufficient
Testable statement or
conclusion that answers
the problem or question;
explains what the
evidence means;
expresses a cause-andeffect relationship
Data that is collected helps
answer the question or
problem OR data comes
from a variety of resources
AND evidence is both
appropriate and sufficient
Data that is collected
helps answer the question
or problem OR data
comes from a variety of
resources, OR evidence is
both appropriate and
sufficient
No response, or
response not
appropriate
Testable statement or
conclusion that answers
the problem or question OR
explains what the evidence
means OR expresses a
cause-and-effect
relationship (need 2 of 3)
No response, or
response not
appropriate
Justification shows why
the data is relevant and
should be used to
support the claim;
includes reasoning,
scientific principles, and
vocabulary links the
claim to the evidence
Identifies strengths and
weaknesses of other’s
explanations; provides
concrete suggestions to
others for improvement
Neat and legible, correct
grammar, no spelling
errors
Justification shows why the
data is relevant and should
be used to support the
claim OR includes
reasoning, scientific
principles, and vocabulary
AND links the claim to the
evidence
Identifies strengths OR
weaknesses of other’s
explanations AND provides
concrete suggestions to
others for improvement
2 of 3 items correct
Testable statement or
conclusion that answers
the problem or question
OR explains what the
evidence means OR
expresses a cause and
effect relationship (need 1
of 3)
Justification shows why
the data is relevant and
should be used to support
the claim OR includes
reasoning, scientific
principles, and vocabulary
OR links the claim to the
evidence
Identifies strengths OR
weaknesses of other’s
explanations OR provides
concrete suggestions to
others for improvement
1 of 3 items correct
No response, or
response not
appropriate
No response, or
response not
appropriate
No response, or
response not
appropriate