Name _________________________________________________________________ Class Block ________
Title of Scientific Inquiry: __________________________________________________________________________
Checklist
Scientific Inquiry & Lab Report Rubric
Level 1 with Guidance
Criterion Does Not Criterion Standards are listed below. Student Name & Class Block must be on Inquiry to be scored.
Meet the Standard
 Inquiry requirements not in report or NHI (Not Handed In) or NN (No Name paper)…….... 0
0
Problem
State
1
Inquiry must follow suggested layout, be easy to read and turned-in on or before date due to be scored
Title Stated
 Title of Scientific Inquiry stated as a “Catchy Phrase” to promote interest ……...……... 1
Problem Stated as a Question
 Problem is stated as a “How” or “Why” question …………….…………………….……….…. 1
“How” or “Why” question identifies purpose of the investigation. What do you want to know?
Hypothesis Stated
Hypothesis
State
1
Materials
State
2
Testing
Procedures
Define
(Apply)
3–4
 Hypothesis makes sense and is easy to understand
Hypothesis is stated using “If….then….because” format .………………………….…………… 1
Hint: IF I … (change and/or manipulate Independent Variable)… THEN I predict … (will happen to Dependent Variable)
Because (prior knowledge statement that provides a reasonable explanation of expected outcome).
Materials Stated
 Materials and/or supplies used in inquiry are stated in a list .……...…...................... 2
List should be in column form - Not written in sentences or in a paragraph
Research with Bibliography
 Research: Resources Cited in Bibliography - Not required for most CLASS Labs …….. 2
Research object(s) of Inquiry. Write paragraph(s) of basic information. Level 1 requires 1 – 3 sources
Testing Procedures Described: Written for Science Projects but not written for most Class labs
 Define and/or tell HOW you will test hypothesis. List steps to test hypothesis ………... 3
 Define and/or tell HOW data will be measured. Ex: Count number of, distance, etc. ………. 3
Testing Procedures and Variables Identified
 Independent & Dependent Variables are correctly identified and listed.….…..….. 4
What is intentionally changed or manipulated (Independent variable) & What is impacted (Dependent variable)
 Safety Procedures Followed and Materials used correctly per Class instructions …... 4
Use Science tools correctly, Measure accurately, Careful with equipment, No horseplay, Stay on task, etc
Data
Explain
Visually
5-6
Science Fair requires
5 trials minimum
Analyze
Results
Analysis
Of Data
7
Conclusion
Evaluation
Reflection
8
Data Gathered & Documented
 Quality: Charts, Tables, Diagrams & Pictures ……………………….………......… 5
Data Tables/Charts are titled, neat, clearly labeled & easy to read, includes 3-5 trials minimum and average
Metric system of measurement (if applicable) is used to explain data; All Photos labeled with captions
Data Graphed Bar graphs Compare; Line graphs show Change over Time or show change with Pictures
 Quality : Graphs, Diagrams & Pictures ………………………..………….…….…....…… 6
Graphs are titled, neat, clearly labeled & easy to read, includes 3-5 trials minimum trials and trial average
Variables are clearly and correctly labeled on X – Y axis; Pictures explained with captions or labels
Analyze Results (1 – 3 sentences max)
 Analysis Statement. What does the data or evidence indicate? .……………..…….... 7
Are the results (data analysis) of your experiment supportive, mixed, surprising, strong or weak, etc?
Analyze Impact and/or Relationship (1 or 2 sentences max)
 Analysis of Relationship and Impact …….…………………………………………..……….…..… 7
Can you identify a relationship, pattern or predictable trend? No trend or pattern observed?
Example: When weight is added on one side of a balance scale it causes the other side to ….;
Conclusion & Conclusion Statement (1-3 sentences max)
 Conclusion & Conclusion Statement: Did you prove your hypothesis?
Results: Yes – No – Maybe – Mixed - Inconclusive? …………………………………………………………………….…. 8
How accurate, reliable and valid was your inquiry? Is the Inquiry flawed? Are Results repeatable?
Reflection of Inquiry (1-3 sentence max for each)
 Reflection: ……………………………………………………………………..….......... 8
What did you learn from your inquiry? If you did this experiment again, what would you change & why?
If applicable, suggest specific way(s) to improve inquiry. If not, what made your experiment practically perfect?