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

This science notebook rubric scores what a scientist's notebook should hold: dated entries, careful observations and labeled drawings, data recorded in tables, and claims that use the evidence collected. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with observations and data counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words a young child can follow, with no points. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

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

Science notebook rubric, grades K–2

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

Science notebook rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
Date and titleEvery page has the date and a title.Most pages have the date.My pages have no dates yet.
I look closelyI draw what I see with details and three labels.I draw what I see with a label.My drawing does not show what I saw yet.
I count or measureI write numbers in a chart.I write some numbers.I do not write numbers yet.
What I learnedI write what I found out and why I think so.I write what I found out.I do not write what I found out yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can write the date and a title on my page.
  • I can draw what I see and label it.
  • I can write down what I count or measure.
  • I can write what I found out.

Science notebook rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Science notebook rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
EntriesEvery entry dated and titled, in order, with a table of contents kept up.Every entry dated and titled, in order.Some entries missing dates, titles or order.Entries are missing or out of order./ 4
Observationscounts ×2Detailed observations using several senses or tools, with labeled, to-scale drawings.Clear observations with labeled drawings.Observations are brief, or drawings lack labels.Few or no observations./ 8
DataData in a table with headings and units, recorded during the investigation, plus a graph when useful.Data in a table with headings and units.Data recorded but not organized, or units missing.No data recorded./ 4
Claims and evidenceStates a claim, cites specific data as evidence, and explains the reasoning.States a claim and cites data.States a claim without evidence.No claim is written./ 4
QuestionsAsks testable questions that grow out of the observations.Asks questions about the investigation.Asks a question unrelated to the investigation.No questions./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can keep dated, titled entries in order.
  • I can record careful observations with words and labeled drawings.
  • I can record data in a labeled table.
  • I can write what I found and use my data as evidence.
  • I can write questions I wonder about.

Science notebook rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Science notebook rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
OrganizationDated, titled and numbered entries with a current table of contents; another reader could repeat the work.Dated, titled entries in order with a table of contents.Some entries undated or out of order.Disorganized or incomplete./ 4
ProceduresRecords the question, variables, materials and each step, noting any change made during the investigation.Records the question, variables and steps.Procedure is incomplete or variables unnamed.No procedure./ 4
Data and observationscounts ×2Precise, real-time data with units and repeated trials, observations noted, and a graph that fits the data.Accurate data with units in organized tables, with observations noted.Data is incomplete or lacks units.Little or no data./ 8
AnalysisExplains patterns and outliers using science ideas and notes sources of error.Describes patterns and links them to science ideas.Describes data without explaining it.No analysis./ 4
Claims and reflectionWrites a claim backed by evidence and reasoning, revises earlier thinking, and proposes a next investigation.Writes a claim backed by evidence and reasoning.Claim lacks evidence or reasoning.No claim is written./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can keep a notebook that another scientist could follow.
  • I can record procedures and variables clearly enough to repeat.
  • I can record precise data and observations as they happen.
  • I can explain patterns in my data using science ideas.
  • I can make an evidence-based claim and reflect on next steps.

When to use it

  • A science notebook checked at the end of each unit or each investigation.
  • An interactive science notebook with handouts on one side and student thinking on the other.
  • As a checklist glued inside the cover for students to check before they hand it in.

What to say to students

  • Date every entry. Scientists always know when they saw something.
  • Draw what you see, not what you think it should look like, and label it.
  • Put numbers in a table with headings and units.
  • End each investigation with what you found and how you know.

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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.