| 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 |