Science Investigation Rubric
Excellent (5 pts)
Good (4 pts)
Satisfactory (3 pts)
Question / Purpose The purpose of the lab or the
Needs Improvement (2 pts)
The purpose of the lab or the question
question to be answered during the to be answered during the lab is
lab is clearly identified and stated. identified, but is stated in a somewhat
unclear manner.
The purpose of the lab or the question
to be answered during the lab is
partially identified, and is stated in a
somewhat unclear manner.
The purpose of the lab or the
question to be answered during
the lab is erroneous or
irrelevant.
Hypothesis
Hypothesized relationship
between the variables and the
predicted results is clear and
reasonable based on what has been
studied.
Hypothesized relationship between the
variables and the predicted results is
reasonable based on general knowledge
and observations.
Hypothesized relationship between the
variables and the predicted results has
been stated, but appears to be based on
flawed logic.
No hypothesis has been stated.
Experimental
Design
Experimental design is a wellconstructed test of the stated
hypothesis.
Experimental design is adequate to test
the hypothesis, but leaves some
unanswered questions.
Experimental design is relevant to the
hypothesis, but is not a complete test.
Experimental design is not
relevant to the hypothesis.
Variables
Variables are correctly identified
as independent or dependent.
The relationship between the
variables is discussed.
Variables are correctly identified
The relationship between the variables
is discussed.
Variables are identified.
The relationship between the variables
is not discussed.
Variables are not identified.
Materials / Setup
All materials and setup used in the Almost all materials and the setup used Most of the materials and the setup
experiment are clearly and
in the experiment are clearly and
used in the experiment are accurately
accurately described.
accurately described.
described.
Many materials are described
inaccurately or are not
described at all.
Procedures
Procedures are listed in clear
steps. Each step is numbered and
is a complete sentence.
Procedures do not accurately
list the steps of the experiment.
Data
Accurate representation of the data Accurate representation of the data in
Accurate representation of the data in
in tables and/or graphs that are
tables and/or graphs. Graphs and tables written form, but no graphs or tables
labeled and titled.
are presented.
are presented.
Data are not shown OR are
inaccurate.
Conclusion
Conclusion includes whether the
Conclusion includes whether the
findings supported the hypothesis, findings supported the hypothesis and
possible sources of error, and what what was learned from the experiment.
was learned from the experiment.
Conclusion includes what was learned
from the experiment.
No conclusion was included in
the report OR shows little
effort and reflection.
Safety
Lab is carried out with full
attention to relevant safety
procedures. The set-up,
experiment, and teardown posed
no safety threat to any individual.
Lab is generally carried out with
attention to relevant safety procedures.
The set-up, experiment, and teardown
posed no safety threat to any individual,
but one safety procedure needs to be
reviewed.
Lab is carried out with some attention
to relevant safety procedures. The setup, experiment, and teardown posed no
safety threat to any individual, but
several safety procedures need to be
reviewed.
Safety procedures were ignored
and/or some aspect of the
experiment posed a threat to
the safety of the student or
others.
Participation
Used time well in lab and focused
attention on the experiment.
Used time pretty well. Stayed focused
on the experiment most of the time.
Did the lab but did not appear very
interested. Focus was lost on several
occasions.
Participation was minimal OR
student was hostile about
participating.
Procedures are listed in a logical order,
but steps are not numbered and/or are
not in complete sentences.
Procedures are listed but are not in a
logical order or are difficult to follow.
TOTAL SCORE________________out of possible 50.