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Science experiment rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This science experiment rubric scores a hands-on experiment done in class: the question, the prediction or hypothesis, the procedure and safety, the observations, and the conclusion. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with observations counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words, with no points. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Science experiment rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My guessI make a guess and tell why I think so.I make a guess about what will happen.I did not make a guess yet.
Safe stepsI follow every safety step and the steps in order.I follow the safety steps the teacher gave.I forget the safety steps.
I look closelyI draw or write what I see with lots of details.I draw or write what I see.I did not show what I saw.
What happenedI tell what happened and if my guess was right.I tell what happened.I am not sure what happened.
Open in the maker
  • I can make a guess about what will happen.
  • I can follow the safety steps the teacher gave.
  • I can draw or write what I see.
  • I can tell what happened and if my guess was right.

Grades 3–5

4 levels, 4 criteria, 20 points in all.

Science experiment rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 20
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Question and predictionWrites a clear question and a prediction with a reason based on what is already known.Writes a question and a prediction.The question or prediction is unclear.No question or prediction./ 4
Procedure and safetyFollows every step in order, measures carefully, and follows the safety steps without reminders.Follows the steps and the safety steps the teacher gave.Skips steps or needs reminders about safety.Does not follow the steps or the safety steps./ 4
Observationscounts ×2Records detailed observations and measurements with units in a neat table or labeled drawing.Records observations and measurements with units.Observations are few, or units are missing.No observations recorded./ 8
ConclusionAnswers the question with observations as proof and says whether the prediction was right and why.Answers the question and says whether the prediction was right.The conclusion does not match the observations.No conclusion./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can write a question and a prediction with a reason.
  • I can follow the steps and the safety steps the teacher gave.
  • I can record careful observations and measurements.
  • I can use my observations to answer the question.

Grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Science experiment rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
HypothesisAn if-then hypothesis that names the independent and dependent variables and gives a scientific reason.An if-then hypothesis that names the variables.A hypothesis that is vague or not testable.No hypothesis./ 4
Procedure and controlsKeeps controlled variables the same, runs repeated trials, and follows the safety steps the teacher gave without reminders.Controls most variables and follows the procedure and safety steps.Variables drift between trials, or safety steps need reminders.The procedure is not followed, or safety steps are ignored./ 4
Datacounts ×2Precise data with units in an organized table, repeated trials averaged, and unexpected results noted.Accurate data with units in a table.Data is incomplete, or units are missing.Little or no data recorded./ 8
Analysis and conclusionUses specific data to support or reject the hypothesis, explains the science behind it, and names sources of error.Uses data to support or reject the hypothesis and names a source of error.The conclusion is general and uses little data.No conclusion, or it ignores the data./ 4
Lab teamworkTakes on a clear role, shares materials fairly, and helps the team finish and clean up.Does a fair share of the work and helps clean up.Does some of the work; needs reminders to share.Leaves the work to others./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can write a testable hypothesis that names my variables.
  • I can carry out a procedure with controlled variables and safety steps.
  • I can record precise data and organize it clearly.
  • I can explain what my evidence shows and its limits.
  • I can share the work and the materials with my lab partners.

When to use it

  • Any hands-on experiment in class, scored while you walk the room.
  • With a lab sheet, so students see which part of the sheet each row scores.
  • Partner work: each partner scores the other's observations row.

What to say to students

  • Write your prediction before you start. It is fine if it turns out wrong.
  • Follow the safety steps the teacher gave, and ask before you touch anything new.
  • Write down what you see, hear or measure, not what you hoped would happen.
  • Your conclusion answers the question you started with.

Related

The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.