Detailed rubrics for judging a scientific investigation are available on the Judging Rubrics page but general guidelines are below and can be used by students and/or parents as a checklist.
Criteria for Judging a Scientific Investigation, Years 3-4 & Years 5-6
Your project will be judged on whether it contains clear, consistent and convincing evidence of your ability to conduct a scientific investigation and to communicate your work appropriately.
The judges will look for clear, consistent and convincing evidence that you:
- identified a problem that can be tested scientifically
- were creative in the selection of the problem or its solution
- conducted a scientific investigation using the principles of fair testing
- selected suitable technology and materials for testing
- made predictions and observations
- recorded appropriate data
- explained the science content related to your investigation
- discussed the results and how they contributed to your conclusion, and
- communicated your communicated your investigation using appropriate language
Criteria for Judging a Scientific Investigation, Years K-2
Judges will look for evidence that a student has
- actively completed a scientific investigation that incorporated fair testing
- had shown originality in the idea and creativity in the investigative methods
- had a clear understanding of the relevant science concepts
- collected background information and made appropriate predictions
- carefully selected suitable materials and equipment
- collected meaningful and sufficient data
- systematically recorded data and included appropriate graphical display with or without digital technologies
- justified strategies and suggested plausible explanations for the results
- made valid conclusions that show how the investigation is important
- used a logbook to map the progress of the investigation over time
- acknowledged all assistance given
- used effective language and formatting to communicate with the intended audience