RESEARCH PAPER RUBRIC

Research paper is complete (Title Page, Table of Contents, Introduction,

Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion, Conclusion,
Acknowledgements, and Reference/Bibliography . -Detailed explanations of
each can be found at http://www.nefrsef.org/ - on p32-33 of the Complete
Exhibitor’s Handbook)
AND
There is evidence of
A
SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT (variables, controls, adequate data to support the
conclusion)
And
THOROUGHNESS (question/problem are placed in context, multiple
trials/replication, support through background information/bibliography)
And
CLARITY (There is continuity of thought throughout the research paper
demonstrating the student’s knowledge and use of scientific methods. The
data are consistent with the written analysis, discussion, and conclusion.
Grammar, spelling and usage errors do not detract from the readability of the
paper.
And
SKILL (the student had the lab, mathematical, computational, observational,
design skills necessary to carry out the investigation with adult supervision
and minimal adult participation in support of the student’s skills except as
noted.)
And
CREATIVE ABILITY/ORIGINALITY (a unique question, approach, or method)
Research paper is complete
AND
There is evidence of
SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT
B And
THOROUGHNESS
And
CLARITY
And
SKILL
Research paper is complete
AND
There is evidence of
C SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT
And 2 of the following
THOROUGHNESS,
CLARITY,
Or
SKILL
D Research paper is complete
But there is little or no evidence of
SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT,
OR
Research paper is incomplete although there is adequate evidence of SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT
OR
Student completed alternative project with only minimal effort demonstrated
Research paper submitted although it is either incomplete or in some other way not readable or
F - 50 comprehedable.

O as placeholder No paper submitted

until paper submitted