Science Lab Process Rubric—Middle School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	4	3	2	1
Question: Problem/Purpose of Lab	The question is complex and multidimensional, and the purpose of the lab is clearly identified and stated.	The question is complex, and the purpose of the lab is clear and stated.	The question is simplistic, and the purpose of the lab is stated but unclear.	The question and purpose are stated very poorly. OR The question and purpose do not make sense.
Hypothesis	The hypothesis includes the required components of a hypothesis with evidence of research, using an I think…because... or If...then... statement.	The hypothesis is stated in a manner that shows understanding of a hypothesis. The hypothesis is backed with some research.	The hypothesis includes only one of two required components.	The hypothesis is not acceptable because neither of the components are included.
Materials	The plan specifically lists all the materials used in the lab with proper names and exact amounts of items.	The plan lists all materials, but some items may not be fully described.	The plan lists most of the materials, but some items are inaccurately described or missing.	The plan is missing many materials, or many of the materials are described inaccurately.
Procedure	The procedure is described so it could be replicated exactly, including detailed step-by-step instructions.	The procedure is well-written and includes step-by-step instructions.	The procedure generally makes sense but the steps are not always clear. Some assumptions need to be made to carry out the experiment.	The procedure is confusing and missing many steps.
Description of Results	The results of the lab are described accurately and in detail with graphs, data charts, pictures, logs, and so forth.	The results of the lab are accurately documented in multiple ways.	The results of the lab are superficially documented in only one format.	The results of the lab do little to describe what happened.
Calculations	Appropriate calculation methods are used, and the results are presented clearly and accurately.	Appropriate calculation methods are used, and the results are presented accurately.	Inappropriate calculation methods are used. OR Some calculations contain errors.	Calculating work is not shown. OR Inappropriate calculation methods result in inaccurate conclusions.
Conclusion: Hypothesis	The conclusion reflects a thorough analysis of the hypothesis and makes logical connections between the hypothesis and the experiment.	The conclusion makes connections between the hypothesis and the experiment.	The conclusion makes superficial connections between the hypothesis and the experiment.	No connections are made between the results and process of the experiment.
Conclusion: Variables	The explanations of all the variables are clear and support the conclusion.	Most variables are identified, analyzed, and explained.	Some variables are identified but may not be analyzed or explained.	Variables are not identified.
Conclusion: Findings	The findings are thoroughly grounded in the results of the experiment and are enhanced by additional research.	The findings are grounded in the results of the experiment, but some minor points are overlooked or misinterpreted.	The findings are somewhat grounded in the results of the experiment, but some important points are overlooked or misinterpreted.	The findings do not appear to be grounded in the results of the experiment.