Lab Process Rubric—Middle School

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Question/Problem

I identify a clear, precise, relevant problem. My problem demonstrates my understanding of the concept and the application of critical thinking skills to drive the experiment.

I identify a valid problem with a basic relevant explanation. My problem reflects some critical thinking and connections to the material.

I identify a problem with a limited explanation. My problem reflects minimal critical thinking and few connections to the material.

My problem is limited or irrelevant with no explanation. I do not appear to have thought through my problem, and I have not made meaningful connections.

Content Understanding

My experiment or investigation reflects an in-depth understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and processes.

My experiment or investigation reflects an appropriate understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and processes.

My experiment or investigation reflects a developing understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and processes.

My experiment or investigation reflects an incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and processes.

Hypothesis

My hypothesis has a relevant and direct connection to my problem. I have a clear explanation that opposes or defends established knowledge. I use appropriate scientific concepts and vocabulary.

My hypothesis has a direct connection to my problem. I have a clear explanation that is supported by established knowledge. I usually use appropriate scientific concepts and vocabulary.

My hypothesis has some connection to my problem, but it is not supported by scientific knowledge. I try to use some scientific concepts and vocabulary, but sometimes I use them inaccurately.

My hypothesis has very little connection to the problem. My explanation contradicts established scientific knowledge. I do not use scientific concepts or vocabulary correctly.

Procedures

My procedures are well-written and could be replicated exactly because I included detailed step-by-step instructions to conduct the experiment.

My procedures are well-written and include all necessary steps and instructions.

My procedures make sense, but some steps or instructions are confusing or missing.

My procedures are poorly written or incomplete. I include very few instructions.

Materials

I list all my materials, using very specific and proper names of items and exact amounts.

I list all my materials and specifically describe most of the materials.

I list most of my materials, but some are missing or not specifically described.

I list very few of my materials.

Experiment Design

My lab design is carefully thought out, is relevant to the problem, and tests the hypothesis.

My lab design is appropriate and tests the hypothesis.

My lab design is generic. It is not directly relevant to the hypothesis and the problem.

My lab design is not relevant to the hypothesis or the problem.

Variables

I identify variables and note all relationships between variables.

I identify variables and note some relationships between variables.

I identify variables.

I do not identify variables.

Calculations

I choose appropriate methods to make calculations, and present my calculations clearly and accurately.

I present my calculations clearly and accurately. I make one or two minor errors that do not affect the outcome of my experiment.

I do not choose the most appropriate method to make my calculations. My work has some errors.

I do not use formulas in my calculations. My work has numerous errors.

Results

I accurately describe in detail what took place during my experiment.

I clearly describe what took place during my experiment.

I vaguely describe what took place during my experiment.

I do not describe what took place during my experiment.

Data

I accurately display my data using multiple carefully labeled charts, graphs, and diagrams.

I display and accurately label my data in multiple ways although I make some minor errors in labeling.

I display my data in only one way, or I inaccurately label my data in significant ways.

My data is poorly and inaccurately displayed and labeled.

Analysis

I analyze relationships among one or more variables and explain my analysis in depth.

I analyze relationships between variables.

I try to analyze relationships between variables, but my explanations are shallow.

I do not analyze relationships between variables.

Conclusions

My conclusion shows that I have analyzed the hypothesis and clearly explained all the variables. My findings are based on extensive research and well-documented data. I use scientific concepts and vocabulary correctly.

My conclusion makes connections between the hypothesis and the experiment, explaining some of the variables. My findings are based on research and data. I use scientific language correctly.

My conclusion is vague and somewhat explains the connections among the hypothesis, variables, and results. I sometimes make errors when using scientific language.

My conclusion is missing or very brief with little or no explanation about the connections among the hypothesis, variables, and results. I make many errors when using scientific language.

Safety

I follow all safety procedures correctly when conducting my experiment, and I describe them in detail. I manage unexpected situations safely and successfully.

I follow safety procedures correctly when conducting my experiment, and I describe them adequately. If I make any errors, they are minor and do not endanger me or my classmates.

I generally follow safety procedures and describe them with some gaps. I make some errors that could endanger me or my classmates.

I conduct my experiment in a careless and reckless way that endangers me or my classmates. I do not describe the safety procedures I follow.

Lab Report

My lab report includes all the required components, clearly labeled and in the appropriate sequence—question, hypothesis, materials, variables, procedures, calculations, results, analysis, and conclusions. My writing is clear and precise and contains no errors in mechanics or grammar.

My lab report includes all the required components—question, hypothesis, materials, variables, procedures, calculations, results, analysis, and conclusions. My writing contains no errors in mechanics or grammar that take away from the meaning.

My lab report is missing a few required components, or my writing has errors in mechanics and grammar that take away from the meaning.

My lab report is missing some required components, and my writing has so many errors in mechanics and grammar that the meaning is difficult to understand.