SCIENCE - PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT RUBRIC __________________________

	4 – Exceeds the Standard	3 – Meets Standard	2 – Working Toward Standard	1 – Improvement Needed
Recognize and Define the Problem	ðStates problem as a logical statement and also as a question ðMentions variables ðHypothesis shows cause and effect relationship between independent and dependent variables ðHypothesis is testable and measurable	ðStates problem clearly in question form ðHypothesis relates possible answer to question ðHypothesis shows cause and effect relationship of independent and dependent variables ðHypothesis is testable and measurable	ðStates problem in question form, relationship to task is unclear ðHypothesis does not show cause and effect relationship ðHypothesis is not easily testable and measurable	ðStatement of Problem shows little or no understanding of problem; question is unrelated to problem ðHypothesis is omitted or unrelated to task, question ðHypothesis cannot be tested & measured
Design Problem Solving Strategy	ðPlan clearly addresses the hypothesis and question ðPlan is comprehensive and clear; uses chart to show the independent, dependent, and control variables, constants ðPlan is a complete set of logical steps for procedure ðMaterials list shows types and amounts of materials used ðPlan includes at least three trials	ðPlan addresses the question and hypothesis ðPlan clearly describes method for organizing and collecting data around independent and dependent variables ðPlan establishes a control related to variable being tested ðPlan is in step-by-step format, includes types and amounts of materials ðPlan includes two trials for each task and is safe	ðPlan is incomplete or unclear ðPlan for data collection and organization is incomplete ðPlan omits steps or is not in step-by-step format ðList of materials is incomplete ðImplied variables nor clarified ðNumber of trials not specified	ðPlan lacks focus, clarity ðPlan does not address data collection and organization ðPlan lacks steps and is not in step format ðPlan lacks clear use of variables ðMultiple trials not addressed
Implementing Problem Solving Strategy	ðRecord of investigation is complete; all data are included ðCalculations are accurate ðGraphs, charts, and tables label and organize data accurately	ðInvestigation is complete; data are measured, recorded ðMinor errors in calculations do not affect outcome ðGraph, table or chart organizes data, is labeled	ðReport shows investigation was completed, some data measured and recorded ðMinor errors in calculations do not affect outcome ðGraph, table, or chart inaccurate or unlabeled	ðMeasurements and/or data are incomplete ðCalculations are inaccurate, affect outcome ðGraph, table, or chart is incomplete or omitted
Interprets and Communicates Findings and Conclusion	ðData is interpreted, communicates relationships of variables and specific scientific principles ðAnswers question and explains why hypothesis was or was not supported ðLists other questions raised by the investigation for future investigations ðConnects findings to real life ðUses concise technical writing skills and scientific vocabulary	ðData is interpreted, communicates relationships of variables ðAnswers question and states whether hypothesis was supported ðLists questions for future investigations ðConnects findings to real life ðUses technical writing skills and scientific vocabulary	ðData collected is discussed more than interpreted ðStates whether hypothesis was supported ðNo mention of further investigations ðConnections to real life are unclear ðFindings are written without using technical writing or scientific language; results are described	ðData presentation is incomplete, not interpreted ðRelationship of findings to hypothesis is not established ðReport of findings and conclusions neither technical writing nor scientific vocabulary, results are unclear