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Science Project Objectives & Mastery Rubrics

Below you will find learning objectives and associated mastery-based assessment rubrics aligned to each step of the scientific method. These rubrics help students and teachers evaluate work using clear, observable criteria that are directly related to the learning objectives. This approach enables both students and teachers to pinpoint specific areas for improvement, facilitating a feedback cycle that promotes a growth mindset. The objectives and rubrics align with the structure laid out in our Pathways tool and our Student Workbooks.

We have broken down learning objectives and rubrics three levels, which are outlined in the table below. Please note that the goal of these three levels is to gradually increase independence in the experimental design and experimentation process, so you should pick the level that best fits your students' experience, regardless of grade level.

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Level Suggested Grade Level How to Use Science Buddies Projects
Beginner 5th-8th Students should pick a Science Buddies Project and carry it out as described, making slight changes to fit their interests and needs.
Intermediate 9th-10th Students should either:
  1. Pick a Science Buddies Project and carry it out as described, making changes to fit their interests and needs.
    OR
  2. Use one of the variations provided at the bottom of the project page, building on the base experiment.
Advanced 11th-12th Students should either:
  1. Use a variation provided at the bottom of a project page.
    OR
  2. Select an Abbreviated Project Idea (marked with *).
    OR
  3. Develop and carry out their own original project.

Objectives are labeled with the appropriate Depth of Knowledge (DOK) according to Webb's Depth of Knowledge Framework. See an in-depth description of each DOK level at the bottom of this page.

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Step of the Scientific Method Beginner (5th-8th Grade*) Intermediate (9th-10th grade) Advanced (11th-12th grade*)
Ask a Question Rubric: Ask a Question (Beginner) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • List the characteristics of a good science project question as well as the types of projects to avoid. (DOK 1)
  • Choose a project that is feasible with available materials and time and that meets the requirements of your teacher and/or science fair (DOK 2).
  • Write a testable project question based on a Science Buddies Project Idea or other project idea that clearly identifies the independent and dependent variables and is supported by sufficient reference materials (DOK 2).
  • Use a given science fair project plan to find potential safety hazards and suggest appropriate safety measures to reduce these risks. (DOK 3)
  • List the steps to set up a lab notebook (DOK 1) and explain why lab notebooks are important. (DOK 2)
  • Create and maintain your own lab notebook for your science project, including planning, research, data collection, and analysis. (DOK 3)
Resources: 		Rubric: Ask a Question (Intermediate) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • List the characteristics of a good science project question, the types of projects to avoid (DOK 1), and explain why a good project question is important (DOK 2).
  • Evaluate a science fair project question to see if it has the characteristics of a good question and explain your reasoning (DOK 3).
  • Choose a project that is feasible with available materials and time and that meets the requirements of your teacher and/or science fair (DOK 2).
  • Write a testable project question based on a Science Buddies Project, Science Buddies Project Variation, or another project idea that is customized to your interests, clearly identifies the independent and dependent variables and is supported by sufficient reference materials. (DOK 3)
  • Use a given science fair project procedure to find potential safety hazards and suggest appropriate safety measures to reduce these risks. (DOK 3)
  • List the steps to set up a lab notebook (DOK 1) and explain why lab notebooks are important. (DOK 2)
  • Create and maintain your own lab notebook for your science project, including planning, research, data collection, and analysis. (DOK 3)
Resources: 		Rubric: Ask a Question (Advanced) Rubric (Coming Soon!)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Evaluate a series of science fair project questions, determine which meet the criteria for a good question, and justify your choices. (DOK 3)
  • Choose a project that is feasible with available materials and time and that meets the requirements of your teacher and/or science fair (DOK 2).
  • Write a testable project question based on a Science Buddies variation (DOK 3), abbreviated project idea, or original project idea that is customized to your interests. The project question clearly identifies the independent and dependent variables and aims to fill a gap in the current knowledge (DOK 4).
  • Create a detailed safety plan for your project that identifies risks and preventive measures and defends those safety measures based on your analysis of potential hazards. (DOK 4)
  • Create and maintain your own lab notebook for your science project, including planning, research, data collection, and analysis, and evaluate the effectiveness of your record-keeping process. (DOK 4)
Resources:
Do Background Research Rubric: Background Research (Beginner) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Explain why it is important to do background research (DOK 1) and the steps to create a background research plan (DOK 2).
  • Identify project-specific keywords and concepts (DOK 1) to develop a list of research questions using the question words table (DOK 2).
  • Explain what makes a good source of information (DOK 1).
  • Find reliable general sources of information to complete your background research (DOK 2).
  • Explain why it is important to cite your sources (DOK 1) and create a list of resources used (DOK 2).
  • Optional: Write a research paper summarizing your learning (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Background Research (Intermediate) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Explain why it is important to do background research (DOK 1) and the steps to create a background research plan (DOK 2).
  • Develop a list of project-specific keywords, concepts, and formulas (DOK 1). Use the question words table to develop a list of research questions (DOK 2) and analyze the relevance of the questions (DOK 3).
  • Explain what makes a good source of information (DOK 1).
  • Find reliable general sources of information to complete your background research (DOK 2).
  • Explain why it is important to cite your sources (DOK 1) and create a properly formatted bibliography (DOK 2).
  • Optional: Write a research paper summarizing your learning, including the use of in-text citations (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Do Background Research (Advanced) Rubric (Coming Soon!)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Develop a list of project-specific keywords, concepts, and formulas (DOK 1). Use the question words table to develop a list of research questions (DOK 2) and analyze the relevance of developed questions (DOK 3).
  • Find reliable general sources and scientific papers to complete your background research, including those that will help develop your methodology (DOK 3).
  • Develop a plan to find a suitable mentor for a science fair project (DOK 3).
  • Document your research in a research paper that includes a properly formatted bibliography and properly utilizes in-text citations (DOK 3).
  • Write a research paper that effectively summarizes your learning, articulating how your research addresses a significant gap in current understanding or makes a meaningful contribution to the field (DOK 4).
Resources:
Construct a Hypothesis Rubric: Construct a Hypothesis (Beginner) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Define the terms Independent Variable (IV), Dependent Variable (DV), and Controlled Variables (CVs) (DOK 1) and identify the variables in a given experiment (DOK 2).
  • Correctly identify the independent, dependent, and controlled variables for your science project (DOK 2).
  • Write a testable hypothesis that informs at least one prediction about the outcome of your experiment (DOK 2).
Resources: 		Rubric: Construct a Hypothesis (Intermediate) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Define the terms Independent Variable (IV), Dependent Variable (DV), and Controlled Variables (CVs) (DOK 1) and identify the variables in a given experiment (DOK 2).
  • Correctly identify the independent, dependent, and controlled variables for your science project (DOK 2) and explain how they will ensure a fair test and accurately address the project question (DOK 3).
  • Write a testable hypothesis that informs at least one prediction about the outcome of your experiment (DOK 2) and defend your hypothesis using your background research (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Construct a Hypothesis (Advanced) Rubric (Coming Soon!)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Define the terms Independent Variable (IV), Dependent Variable (DV), and Controlled Variables (CVs) (DOK 1) and identify the variables in a given experiment (DOK 2).
  • Correctly identify the independent, dependent, and controlled variables for your science project (DOK 2) and explain how they will ensure a fair test and accurately address the project question (DOK 3).
  • Write a testable hypothesis and a corresponding null hypothesis that inform at least one prediction about the outcome of your experiment (DOK 2). Defend both hypotheses using your background research, demonstrating an understanding of scientific principles and evidence (DOK 3).
Resources:
Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Rubric: Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment (Beginner) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Use a Science Buddies project (DOK 2) or other project idea to write a detailed, reproducible, step-by-step procedure and materials list that is simplified and customized to your specific research question.
  • Write a procedure that clearly explains how to change the independent variable, measure the dependent variable, and keep controlled variables constant (DOK 2).
  • Write a procedure that includes an appropriate number of trials (DOK 2).
  • Identify and describe the experimental groups and the control group (if relevant) (DOK 2).
  • Collect data using a provided data table. The table should include sections to record the dependent variable for each experimental group and the control group, along with space to collect data for each trial and calculate an average, if applicable (DOK 3).
  • Record careful and detailed observations during experimentation in a lab notebook. Take pictures to document your process and observations (DOK 2).
  • Follow the procedure carefully to ensure that controlled variables stay constant (DOK 2).
Resources: 		Rubric: Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment (Intermediate) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Use a Science Buddies Science Buddies Project Idea (DOK 2), Science Buddies Project Variation, or another project idea (DOK 3) to write a detailed, reproducible, step-by-step procedure and materials list that is simplified and customized to your specific research question.
  • Write a procedure that clearly explains how to change the independent variable, measure the dependent variable, and keep controlled variables constant (DOK 2).
  • Write a procedure that includes an appropriate number of trials (DOK 2).
  • Identify and describe the experimental groups and the control group (if relevant) (DOK 2).
  • Create a data table, using the sample data table if provided, and use it to collect data. The data table should include sections to record the dependent variable for each experimental group and the control group, along with space to collect data for each trial and calculate an average, if applicable (DOK 3).
  • Record careful and detailed observations during experimentation in a lab notebook (DOK 2).
  • Follow the procedure carefully to ensure that controlled variables stay constant (DOK 2).
  • Take careful, consistent, and accurate measurements. Identify potential sources of error and note them (DOK 2).
  • Adjust the experimental procedure as needed and document changes (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment (Advanced) Rubric (Coming Soon!)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Use background research to develop and write a detailed, reproducible step-by-step procedure and materials list for a Science Buddies variation (DOK 3), abbreviated project idea, or original project idea (DOK 4).
  • Write a procedure that clearly explains how to change the independent variable, measure the dependent variable, and keep controlled variables constant (DOK 2).
  • Identify and describe the experimental groups and the control group (DOK 2). Justify your reasoning for choosing these groups (DOK 3).
  • Write a procedure that includes an appropriate number of trials (DOK 2), and explain why this number of trials i sufficient to draw valid conclusions (DOK 3).
  • Design a data table tailored to your procedure and use it to systematically collect and analyze your data. The data table should include sections to record the dependent variable for each experimental group and the control group, along with space to collect data for each trial and calculate an average, if applicable (DOK 4).
  • Define the types of descriptive and inferential statistical analyses you plan to use for your data and explain why you selected each method (DOK 3).
  • Record careful and detailed observations during experimentation in a lab notebook (DOK 2), ensuring data entries follow a consistent format. Identify and make note of any anomalies in your data (DOK 3).
  • Take careful, consistent, and accurate measurements (DOK 2). Identify potential sources of error and note them. Evaluate and adjust your methods to ensure they provide reliable data (DOK 3).
  • Modify and optimize the experimental procedure as needed, documenting all changes, reasons for each modification, and methods used. Evaluate the impact of these changes on the experiment's validity, reliability, and accuracy. Iterate on the procedure, refining it to address new issues or enhance outcomes. Reflect on the process and clearly communicate the modifications and their impacts to others (DOK 4).
Resources:
Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Rubric: Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion (Beginner) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Ensure that you collected enough data and that it is reasonably accurate (DOK 2).
  • Summarize the data you collected by calculating an average (DOK 2) when appropriate.
  • Report your data in a properly formatted data chart that includes units of measurement and consistent rounding of data (DOK 2).
  • Choose the most appropriate type of charts and graphs to display your data (DOK 2).
  • Create a graph of your data that includes a title, labeled axes (IV on the x-axis and DV on the y-axis), units of measurement, an appropriate scale, and correctly plotted data (DOK 3).
  • Write a science project conclusion that restates the experiment and hypothesis, explains procedures and findings, discusses results, states if the data supports the hypothesis, uses background knowledge to explain findings, identifies relationships between the IV and DV, highlights uncertainties, and suggests improvements and future research (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion (Intermediate) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Ensure that you collected enough data and that it is reasonably accurate (DOK 2).
  • Summarize the data you collected by calculating an average and other descriptive statistics when appropriate (DOK 2). Explain why you chose those descriptive statistics (DOK 3).
  • Report your data in a properly formatted data chart that includes units of measurement and consistent rounding of data (DOK 2).
  • Choose the most appropriate type of graph(s) to display your data and explain why it is the best choice (DOK 3).
  • Create a graph of your data that includes a title, labeled axes (IV on the x-axis and DV on the y-axis), units of measurement, an appropriate scale, and correctly plotted data (DOK 3).
  • Write a science project conclusion that restates the experiment and hypothesis, explains procedures and findings, discusses results, states if the data supports the hypothesis, uses background knowledge to explain findings, identifies relationships between the IV and DV, highlights uncertainties, and suggests improvements and future research (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion (Advanced) Rubric (Coming Soon!)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Critically assess the adequacy and precision of the data you collected, identifying any gaps or errors and determining if the data meets your research requirements (DOK 3).
  • Analyze your data using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics, making an argument for why those analyses were the best choice for the given data (DOK 4).
  • Choose the most appropriate type of charts and graphs to display your data (DOK 3) and data analysis (DOK 4).
  • Create one or more graphs of your data and data analysis that include a title, labeled axes (IV on the x-axis and DV on the y-axis), units of measurement, an appropriate scale, and correctly plotted data (DOK 3).
  • Write a conclusion that restates your experiment and hypothesis, explains your procedures and findings, critically analyzes your results, states if your data supports the hypothesis, uses background knowledge, identifies relationships between the IV and DV, evaluates uncertainties, and proposes improvements and future research (DOK 3). You will also integrate your findings with broader scientific concepts and suggest innovative solutions (DOK 4).
Resources:
Communicate Your Results Rubric: Communicate Your Results (Beginner) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Write a concise and engaging abstract that includes an introduction, problem statement, procedures, results, and conclusions (DOK 2).
  • Organize and create a visually appealing display board, digital poster, or slide presentation that clearly communicates your experiment by including all necessary sections (question, hypothesis, variables, background research, etc.), using appropriate font sizes, titles, images, and charts or graphs (DOK 3).
  • Evaluate your display board, digital poster, or slide presentation for accuracy, neatness, and compliance with science fair rules, and make necessary improvements based on these criteria (DOK 3).
  • Prepare and practice a concise, engaging presentation summarizing your science fair project, including the idea, experiment, results, conclusions, and its importance, and rehearse responses to potential judges' questions (DOK 3).
  • Demonstrate professionalism during the judging period by dressing appropriately, using your display board effectively, and showing enthusiasm and confidence in your presentation (DOK 2).
  • Ensure your lab notebook is thoroughly organized, accurately documented, and ready to present at the science fair, including detailed entries of all experimental procedures, data, observations, and reflections (DOK 3).
  • Optional - Compile a comprehensive final report for your science fair project, including a title page, abstract, table of contents, question, variables, hypothesis, background research, materials list, experimental procedure, data analysis, discussion, conclusions, ideas for future research, acknowledgments, and bibliography (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Communicate Your Results (Intermediate) Rubric (PDF)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Write a concise and engaging abstract that includes an introduction, problem statement, procedures, results, and conclusions (DOK 2).
  • Organize and create a visually appealing display board, digital poster, or slide presentation that clearly communicates your experiment by including all necessary sections (question, hypothesis, variables, background research, etc.), using appropriate font sizes, titles, images, and charts or graphs (DOK 3).
  • Evaluate your display board, digital poster, or slide presentation for accuracy, neatness, and compliance with science fair rules, and make necessary improvements based on these criteria (DOK 3).
  • Prepare and practice a concise, engaging presentation summarizing your science fair project, including the idea, experiment, results, conclusions, and its importance, and rehearse responses to potential judges' questions (DOK 3).
  • Demonstrate professionalism during the judging period by dressing appropriately, using your display board effectively, and showing enthusiasm and confidence in your presentation (DOK 2).
  • Ensure your lab notebook is thoroughly organized, accurately documented, and ready to present at the science fair, including detailed entries of all experimental procedures, data, observations, and reflections (DOK 3).
  • Optional - Compile a comprehensive final report for your science fair project, including a title page, abstract, table of contents, question, variables, hypothesis, background research, materials list, experimental procedure, data analysis, discussion, conclusions, ideas for future research, acknowledgments, and bibliography (DOK 3).
Resources: 		Rubric: Communicate Your Results (Advanced) Rubric (Coming Soon!)

Objectives:
You will be able to...
  • Write a concise and engaging abstract that includes an introduction, problem statement, procedures, results, and conclusions (DOK 2).
  • Organize and create a visually appealing display board, digital poster, or slide presentation that clearly communicates your experiment by including all necessary sections (question, hypothesis, variables, background research, etc.), using appropriate font sizes, titles, images, and charts or graphs (DOK 3).
  • Evaluate your display board, digital poster, or slide presentation for accuracy, neatness, and compliance with science fair rules, and make necessary improvements based on these criteria (DOK 3).
  • Prepare and practice a concise, engaging presentation summarizing your science fair project, including the idea, experiment, results, conclusions, and its importance, and rehearse responses to potential judges' questions (DOK 3).
  • Demonstrate professionalism during the judging period by dressing appropriately, using your display board effectively, and showing enthusiasm and confidence in your presentation (DOK 2).
  • Ensure your lab notebook is thoroughly organized, accurately documented, and ready to present at the science fair, including detailed entries of all experimental procedures, data, observations, and reflections (DOK 3).
  • Compile a comprehensive final report for your science fair project, including a title page, abstract, table of contents, question, variables, hypothesis, background research, materials list, experimental procedure, data analysis, discussion, conclusions, ideas for future research, acknowledgments, and bibliography (DOK 3).
Resources:
DOK Level 1: Recall and Reproduction
  • Description: This level involves basic recall of scientific facts, definitions, or simple procedures. It requires students to remember information and follow straightforward steps in your projects.
  • Example Activities: Listing materials needed for an experiment, defining scientific terms, labeling parts of a model, or identifying variables in an experiment.
DOK Level 2: Skills and Concepts
  • Description: At this level, students engage in tasks that require some mental processing beyond recalling information. It involves applying skills and concepts to complete parts of your projects, such as organizing data, summarizing findings, or interpreting results.
  • Example Activities: Comparing data sets, classifying different types of reactions, summarizing research articles, predicting outcomes based on existing data, or interpreting graphs and charts.
DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking
  • Description: This level requires students to use reasoning, planning, and evidence in your science and engineering projects. Tasks involve more complex thinking and usually require explaining, justifying, or analyzing relationships among variables and concepts.
  • Example Activities: Solving non-routine problems in experimental design, drawing conclusions from data analysis, making conjectures about experimental outcomes, analyzing the effectiveness of different engineering solutions, or developing hypotheses.
DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking
  • Description: The highest level, which involves complex reasoning, planning, and thinking over an extended period. It requires students to synthesize information from multiple sources, design comprehensive experiments, or apply engineering principles to create and test prototypes.
  • Example Activities: Designing and conducting an original experiment or engineering project, developing and testing a new prototype, synthesizing research from various scientific journals to support project hypotheses, or creating a detailed project report that includes data analysis, conclusions, and implications for further research.

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