Assessment: Rubric for Independent Research
Project
Points
2-Task performed according to guidelines - requirement completed-clearly stated-all
work shown-mastery exhibited
1-incomplete-vague-some work shown-demonstrates partial understanding of requirement
0-does not exist-inappropriate response-no work shown-done incorrectly-performance
demonstrates lack of understanding
_____The research report is computer generated
(THE RESEARCH REPORT MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER). All elements
of the research paper will be assessed according to the aforementioned criteria.
------Title page
------Cover sheet for abstract
____ABSTRACT
____PROPER FORM AND STYLE
____250 WORD MAXIMUM
____SINGLE SPACED
____NO BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ENTRIES
____1-1/2 INCH MARGINS
____STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
____A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURES USED
____A BRIEF DISCUSSION OF DATA COLLECTED
____A CONCLUSION BASED ON RESULTS COLLECTED
_____Table of Contents
_____Cover sheet for “Table of Contents”
_____Table of contents with page numbers
_____Purpose
_____cover sheet for purpose
_____statement of what you plan to do and why
_____research hypothesis (must be clearly stated)
_____societal contribution of research
_____Experimental design components
_____Cover sheet for “experimental design components”
_____Independent variable correctly identified
_____Levels of the independent variable are clearly stated and are evident
_____Dependent variable is correctly identified
_____The control is clearly stated or comparison groups clearly identified
_____The constants are listed
_____Statement of repeated trials is evident
_____The number of repeated trials is sufficient for the experiment
NOTE: No less than 10-25 repeated trials for any experiment. Any experiments involving plants should contain a minimum of 100 trials.
_____Acknowledgements
_____Cover sheet for “Acknowledgements”
_____Acknowledgements (credits)
_____Review of the literature
_____ Cover sheet for “Review of the literature”
_____The text exhibits consistent form and style (APA or MLA)
_____The report is written in the third person.
_____A minimum of five bibliographical sources excluding reference books are used.
_____Parenthetical references are used in the text of the paper.
_____The paper is free of typographical errors.
_____The paper is free of spelling errors.
_____The literature review displays close correlation and relevance with the study.
_____All parenthetical references are listed on the Works Cited page.
_____A works cited page (bibliography) properly formatted (APA or MLA) appears at the end of the review of literature. This is the first
of two bibliographies found in the research report.
_____The typeface used in the text is 12 point
_____Geneva font is used.
_____Margins are 1-1 1/2 inches on all four sides
_____The text is double spaced.
_____Direct quotes are properly formatted.
_____Entries on the Works Cited page are alphabetized .
_____Entries on the Works cited page are not numbered .
_____Materials
_____Cover sheet for “materials” section.
_____metric units are used for all measurements
_____all safety devices, if used ,are listed and described in the materials list.
_____all disposal devices, sterilization equipment are listed
and described in materials list
_____All MSDS sheets are listed
_____Procedures
_____Cover sheet for “procedures” section.
_____detailed step-by-step procedures are discussed
_____use of safety devices- discussed in detail
_____disposal procedures of toxic or biohazardous materials- discussed in detail .
_____special handling of substances and chemicals as per MSDS sheets- discussed.
_____Results/data analysis/data interpretation
_____Cover sheet for “results” section
_____Results are shown in order
_____Data is displayed in a data table
_____Data is shown in graphs and /or charts
_____The results of the experiment were discussed
_____A pattern was established
_____Data for each repeated trial is shown
_____Conclusion
_____Cover sheet for “conclusion” section
_____The purpose of the experiment was restated.
_____The outcome of the data in relation to the research hypothesis is discussed.
_____The synthesis and analysis of data relationships
are discussed.
_____The major findings were discussed.
_____Possible explanation for the findings were mentioned.
_____ The researcher made recommendations for further study.
_____Recommendations for improving the experiment were
discussed.
_____Bibliography
_____Cover sheet for “Bibliography”(note: this is the second bibliography. This is the research paper’s complete bibliography and will include all works cited in the first bibliography in addition to other resources used to complete the project.
_____a minimum of five bibliographical sources excluding reference materials are listed
_____Entries on the Works Cited page are alphabetized. _____Entries on the Works cited page are not numbered.
_____All parenthetical references are listed on the works cited (bibliography)page.
_____Proper form and style is used (MLA or APA).
_____Display Board
_____The board is regulation size
_____The display is computer generated
_____The display exhibits thoughtful planning, layout and design.
_____The display is creative.
The display contains the following:
_____Title of project
_____Abstract (lower left hand corner for standard table display or 48-50 inches from the floor on the left side of display board if floor display is used.
_____Statement of the problem
_____Hypothesis
_____Independent variable (each level clearly sated)
_____Dependent variable
_____Control
_____Constants
_____Repeated trials
_____Materials
_____Methods of procedures
_____Visuals of procedures, results, data display(photographs,
graphs,charts,tables)
_____Results/data/data interpretation (i.e., discussion of measures of central tendency and other relationships revealed through the data.
_____Conclusions
_____Purpose
_____Logbook
_____Title page
_____The logbook is in a specified journal or notebook specifically designated for the experiment.
_____Documentation of observations
_____Reflective thinking as evidenced in the journal writing
_____Chronological entries
_____Dated entries
_____Handwritten entries
_____Data tables showing the collection of raw data
_____Materials list and how the materials are used
_____Procedures including special disposal and handling procedures for materials and substances
As_____Eventful happenings related to the experimentation
_____Rough diagrams
_____Measurements in metric units
_____Trial and error experiences
_____Evidence of critical thinking as demonstrated through the journal entries
_____Evidence of synthesis thinking as shown in the journal entries
_____New ideas that emerge as the experimentation takes place
_____A discussion of what the observations could mean
_____New questions that arise as you observe
_____Oral Presentation
________ The student provides a strong defense for the research project.
________ The student uses articulate speech, projected voice and appropriate bodily expressions, providing emphasis on key points.
_________The student exhibits confidence and assurance during the delivery of the presentation.
_________The student responds to all questions with clear and direct answers.
_________The student demonstrates understanding of science concepts.
_________The student understands the data relationships resulting from the experiment.
_________The student conveys clear understanding of experimental design scientific processes, and scientific thinking.
_________The student uses appropriate language, humor and mannerisms during the presentation delivery.
_________The student’s appearance is neat, clean and professional.
_________The student evidences ownership of the research project.