Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

2 - Background Research

Background research is necessary so that you know how to design and understand the results of your experiment.

Task #2D: Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

Do Background Research

*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
Keywords and Concepts	Lists a few project-specific keywords and concepts with minimal relevance to the project.	Identifies some relevant project-specific keywords and concepts but may miss key terms.	Identifies most of the key project-specific keywords and concepts relevant to the project.	Identifies all key project-specific keywords and concepts, demonstrating a deep understanding of the project.	Select: Notes:
Background Research Questions	Develops 1-2 research questions using the question words table with limited relevance and depth.	Develops 3-4 research questions using the question words table, with moderate relevance and some depth.	Develops 5-6 well-crafted research questions using the question words table, showing good relevance and depth.	Develops more than 6 insightful and highly relevant research questions using the question words table, showing excellent relevance and depth.	Select: Notes:
Identifying Sources	Finds 1-2 general sources of information, but their reliability is questionable	Finds 3-4 general sources of information with moderate reliability. The assessment of reliability is somewhat correct.	Finds 5-6 reliable general sources of information relevant to the background research. The assessment of reliability is correct.	Finds more than 6 highly reliable and relevant general sources of information for background research. The assessment of reliability is correct and thorough.	Select: Notes:
Bibliography Formatting and Order	Uses incorrect or inconsistent citation style with many formatting errors. Sources are not in alphabetical order	Attempts MLA or APA style but with several errors. Sources are partially in alphabetical order.	Consistently uses MLA or APA style with few to no errors. Sources are in alphabetical order.	Flawlessly uses MLA or APA style with no errors. Sources are in alphabetical order.	Select: Notes:
Research Paper Content and Summary (if assigned)	Provides a basic summary of learning with significant gaps and lacks depth. The content is disorganized and unclear.	Provides a general summary of learning with some gaps in information. The content is somewhat organized but may lack clarity and coherence	Provides a clear and detailed summary of learning, covering all key points. The content is well-organized and coherent.	Provides a comprehensive and insightful summary of learning, thoroughly covering all key points with depth and clarity. The content is excellently organized and highly coherent.	Select: Notes:
Research Paper In-Text Citations (if assigned)	Uses few or no in-text citations, or citations are incorrectly formatted and placed.	Uses some in-text citations with several formatting errors and inconsistencies. Citations are sometimes misplaced or incomplete.	Uses in-text citations correctly with minor errors. Citations are properly formatted and placed to support the content.	Uses in-text citations flawlessly, with correct formatting and placement. Citations effectively support the content and enhance the paper’s credibility	Select: Notes:

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