In addition to the holistic rubric, the faculty at Francis W. Parker provides students with a list of criteria for an excellent performance in each of the basic skills required. Here is an example for scientific investigation. Together, the Rubric and Criteria provide students and teachers with clear guidelines for assessment.

     Framing the Question

• You understand or come up with the question to investigate.
• You collect information and ideas about your question.
• You identify the variables or special factors that may affect your investigation.

     Approach: How You Conduct the Investigation

• You come up with a hypothesis.
• You make a plan for testing the hypothesis.
• You identify and use appropriate scientific equipment.
• You make and record physical observations.

     Reasoning: How You Evaluate What You Find

• You consider alternative explanations for what you observe.
• You use evidence to draw a logical conclusion.
• You identify possible sources of error and bias in the investigation.
• You verify the results of the investigation.
• You revise your explanation if necessary.

     Communicating What You Find

• You explain your ideas and procedures to others in a form they can understand.
• You use correct mathematical and scientific vocabulary, equations, or notations to explain your ideas.
• You use graphs, tables, charts, models, diagrams, or drawings to represent your findings.

     So What: Outcomes of Your Investigation

• You connect your ideas to other ideas in math or science, or to a “real world” use.
• You use data to respond to questions or comments from others.
• You reflect on your own scientific process and thinking. >

What You Try

You attempt the entire investigation process or go beyond it to do more.

Reprinted with permission from Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devers, MA.