Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

3 - Construct a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work. It is an attempt to answer your question with an explanation that can be tested. A good hypothesis allows you to then make a prediction: "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen.”

Task #3C: Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

Construct a Hypothesis

*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
Variable Identification	Inaccurately identifies IV, CV, and CVs in the experiment.	Identifies IV, DV, and CVs in the experiment with some errors or omissions.	Accurately identifies IV, DV, and CVs in the experiment.	Accurately identifies IV, DV, and CVs in the experiment and provides a comprehensive explanation for those variables.	Select: Notes:
Variable Explanation	Attempts, but inaccurately explains, how the identified variables ensure a fair test and accurately address the project question.	Partially explains how the identified variables ensure a fair test and accurately address the project question.	Clearly explains how the identified variables ensure a fair test and accurately address the project question.	Thoroughly explains how the identified variables ensure a fair test and address the project question, including scientific rationale, control measures, and potential error sources.	Select: Notes:
Hypothesis	Writes a hypothesis that is unclear or not testable. The hypothesis does not clearly identify the independent and dependent variables.	Writes a general hypothesis that is somewhat testable. The hypothesis identifies the independent and dependent variables but may lack clarity.	Writes a clear and testable hypothesis that accurately identifies both the independent and dependent variables.	Writes a comprehensive and precisely testable hypothesis that thoroughly identifies both the independent and dependent variables.	Select: Notes:
Prediction	Does not make a clear prediction about the outcome of the experiment.	Makes a prediction about the outcome of the experiment, but it may be vague or not directly linked to the hypothesis.	Makes a clear and logical prediction about the outcome of the experiment that is directly linked to the hypothesis.	Makes a detailed and insightful prediction about the outcome of the experiment that is strongly supported by the hypothesis.	Select: Notes:
Connecting Hypothesis to Background Research	Provides minimal or no defense of the hypothesis using background research.	Provides a limited defense of the hypothesis using some relevant background research.	Defends the hypothesis with relevant background research, demonstrating an understanding of the scientific principles involved.	Defends the hypothesis thoroughly with extensive and relevant background research, showcasing a deep understanding of the scientific concepts and principles, and considers potential alternative explanations and counterarguments.	Select: Notes:

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