Glenbrook South High School Science Scoring Rubric: Student Laboratory Reports
Chris Hilvert
Glenbrook South High School
Glenview, IL
Problem Statement
The student is to clearly identify the problem under investigation as accurately and completely as possible from background information. The students explanation should strive to be precise and thorough.
Experimental Hypothesis
The student should predict what will happen based on proper use and interpretation of background information, not merely on what he or she thinks will happen.
Experimental Design
The explanation of the design should include:
- A listing of all materials to be used, relating the materials to the dependent and independent variables as appropriate and noting controls to be placed on the study as needed.
- A description of the design of the study, including:
- a. What data will be collected?
- b. How many trials will be completed?
- c. How will variables be controlled?
- d. How will the data be interpreted?
- e. What graphs or charts will be based on the data collected?
- A description of all safety concerns and how each will be addressed.
Data Collection, Display, and Analysis
The student conducts the experiment, carefully and systematically making measurements and entering data. Graphic presentation(s) of data is produced appropriate to the analysis.
Conclusion
This includes a statement of what data results indicate (data analysis) and whether data supports or does not support the hypothesis. In addition, experimental errors should be identified and their possible effect on the reported results. Students are to discuss possible applications and extensions of research findings, indicate other studies which have been or may be conducted to support the conclusion of the experiment.
Problem Statement 1 2 3 4 Statement of problem is irrelevant or erroneous Limited or no relevant explanation
Problem partially identified with partial validity Limited relevant explanation
Problem sufficiently identified with some validity Basic relevant explanation
Problem is appropriately identified Precise, clear and relevant explanation
Experimental Hypothesis 1 2 3 4 Unreasonable association between problem and predicted results Results are not operationalized
Defends or challenges established knowledge
Scant use of scientific concepts and vocabulary
Association between problem and predicted results Made attempt to operationalize key variables
Hypothesis has some relationship to established knowledge but is not supported
Scientific concepts and vocabulary used, but contains errors
Reasonable association between the problem and the predicted results Key variables are operationalized
Hypothesis has a reasonable relationship with established knowledge; this relationship is generally supported
Scientific concepts and vocabulary used without significant error
Association between the problem and the predicted results is direct and relevant All variables are clearly operationalized
Hypothesis clearly refutes or defends established knowledge and is fully supported
Student demonstrates facility in the use of scientific concepts and vocabulary
Experimental Design 1 2 3 4 Design is not relevant to the hypothesis List of materials and controls incomplete
Some procedural components generally described but are not replicable
Safety concerns are not specified, are irrelevant or are not appropriate to the experiment
Design has general relevance to the hypothesis List of materials and controls is nearly complete, missing at least one important item
Description makes it possible to replicate the experiment if researcher makes some inferences
Safety concerns miss at least one important consideration; procedures will result in some risk to student safety if not revised
Design is adequate to test the hypothesis List of materials and controls is complete and some description provided
Description makes it likely that the experiment can be reliably replicated
All major safety concerns are adequately addressed; procedures adopted are likely to produce a safe experiment -- some further refinement could minimize possible discomfort to the student
Design is a well-constructed test of the stated hypothesis List of materials and controls is complete and thoroughly described
The description of the experiment is complete, insuring that it can be replicated
Safety concerns are fully addressed and procedures for conducting the experiment insure that there is little or no risk of safety or discomfort to the student
Data Collection & Analysis 1 2 3 4 Data are inaccurate Data are haphazardly recorded
Data table missing
Most data are collected but checks are not placed on measurement to insure accuracy Data are recorded in a manner that threatens reliability
Data table incomplete or contain inconsistencies
All significant data measured with some checks placed on measurement for accuracy Data recorded effectively
The data table is relevant to the task requirements
All significant data measured, checks are placed on measurements for accuracy Data recorded effectively and efficiently
The data table well-designed to the task requirements
Data Display 1 2 3 4 Graph form inappropriate Data points missing or incorrect
Inappropriate labeling
Intervals inappropriate
Graph form is appropriate All data points included, some inaccurately plotted
Labeling lacks clarity
Intervals are appropriate
Graph form is appropriate, multiple graphs used as warranted All data points included and accurately plotted
Labeling clear
Intervals appropriate
Graph visually designed to assist reader
All graph forms are appropriate, multiple graphs used as warranted All data points accurately plotted
Labeling clear
Intervals appropriate
Graph visually compelling, highlights conclusions of the study
Conclusion 1 2 3 4 Inconclusive, or conclusion not warranted by data analysis Conclusion too general or over- reaches the data analysis Conclusion uses the language of the experiment but does not translate conclusion to its relevance to the original problem
Conclusion precise, related to the hypothesis Conclusion uses operational terms of the experiment and attempts to translate the conclusion to make it relevant to the original problem
The conclusion related to general interest and other studies
Conclusion precisely stated, relates directly to support or non-support of the hypothesis Conclusion uses operational terms and suggests how the conclusion has relevancy in resolution of the original problem
Conclusion relates the study to general interest, other studies that have been or could be conducted
Fellows Collection Index