Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

1 - Ask a Question

The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that you observe: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where? For a science fair project, your question should typically be something you can measure, preferably with a number, and should be something that is interesting and important to you.

Task #1E: Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

Ask a Question

*Proficient is the goal for most students

Use this mastery rubric to check your learning for each skill or concept in this section of your science project. Identify which level you think you are currently at, add notes about why you think you're at that level, and plan what you can do to improve and take your project to the next level.

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Skill/Concept	1 - Beginning	2 - Developing	3 - Proficient*	4 - Extending	Assessment + Notes
Interest in Project Idea	The student is unable to explain their interest in their project idea	The student explains a general interest in the project idea, but it isn’t totally clear that they have a genuine interest in it.	The student has chosen a project idea that they are genuinely interested in.	The student has chosen a project idea that they are genuinely interested in and customized it to fit their individual interests.	Select: Notes:
Feasibility - Subject	The project idea is obscure, and there are no existing reference materials on the subject.	There are some existing reference materials on the subject.	There are sufficient (at least 3) existing reference materials on the subject.	There are sufficient existing reference materials on the subject, and the student has identified how their project will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.	Select: Notes:
Feasibility - Time & Materials	The project is not feasible with available time.	The project is somewhat feasible but has significant limitations.	The project is feasible with available materials and time.	The project is highly feasible and well-planned with available materials and time.	Select: Notes:
Project Question	The project question is vague, with poorly defined or missing independent and dependent variables, and/or is not clearly testable.	The project question defines the independent and dependent variables but lacks clarity or feasibility in the testing procedure.	The project question clearly defines the independent and dependent variables and is clearly testable using a feasible procedure.	The project question clearly defines the variables, shows a deep understanding of underlying scientific principles, and is highly feasible.	Select: Notes:
Feasibility - Safety	The project idea is not safe, and needs to be significantly modified or replaced with a new project idea.	The project idea is at an acceptable risk level, but the student needs to think more about how they will address any safety issues.	The project idea is at an acceptable risk level, and the student has clearly identified how they will address any safety issues.	The project idea is at an acceptable risk level, the student has clearly identified how they will address any safety issues, and the student has modified the project idea to increase safety.	Select: Notes:
Meeting Teacher and/or Science Fair Rules	Multiple rules are not followed.	Some rules are not followed.	All rules are clearly followed.	All rules are clearly followed.	Select: Notes:
Lab Notebook Setup	The lab notebook is disorganized and missing multiple required sections or elements.	The lab notebook contains most, but not all, required sections and elements and/or is somewhat disorganized.	The lab notebook is well organized and contains all required sections and elements.	The lab notebook is exceptionally well organized and contains all required sections, with additional sections or information that enhance understanding	Select: Notes:

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