Science Fair Paper Rubric

0 = missing; 1 = poor; 2 = fair; 3 = excellent

Title-
Title accurately describes the experiment and is centered on 0 1 2 3
page.

Name, address, school, and grade are on bottom right. 0 1 2 3

/6
Table of Contents-
Highlights all of the major sections of the paper with page 0 1 2 3
numbers.
/3
Introduction-
Introduction sentence is catching and sets scene for paper. 0 1 2 3

Hypothesis clearly states the expected outcome. 0 1 2 3

Explanation of what prompted the research 0 1 2 3

Explanation of why this experiment is relevant and important 0 1 2 3

to the intended audience.

Explanation of what hope to achieve. 0 1 2 3

/15
List of materials-
Essential materials listed with appropriate units. 0 1 2 3
/3
Procedure-
Steps listed in sequential order including appropriate 0 1 2 3
measurements and units when necessary. Including any
relevant safety information.

Procedure is complete and written in a manner that the reader 0 1 2 3

could repeat the experiment.

Includes multiple (3) trials for each variable or demonstrates 0 1 2 3

the importance of adequate sample size

If there are independent and dependent variables in the 0 1 2 3

experiment, they are identified.

Explanation of the management of outside variables in the 0 1 2 3

experimental procedure. (How were other variables kept
constant?)

Method of observation and data collection are clear. 0 1 2 3

No grammar or spelling errors (try to write in third person

with no pronouns). 0 1 2 3
/21
Discussion-
Results and conclusions about results flows smoothly. 0 1 2 3

Answers the question: Was the hypothesis supported? 0 1 2 3

Discusses trends in data, making reference to key data points, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

expected results, and published data. Discuss the SCIENCE
behind why the results turned out as they did using the
experiment data and research.

Discusses any possible errors and how results were affected 0 1 2 3

by uncontrolled events.

Suggests improvements to the experiment and future 0 1 2 3

research ideas.

Any information from an outside source is properly cited. 0 1 2 3

NO PLAGARISM.
/21
Conclusion-
Briefly summarize results. 0 1 2 3

Conclusion wraps up the paper. 0 1 2 3

No new information was introduced. 0 1 2 3

/9
Bibliography-
Sources listed according to APA format. 0 1 2 3

Minimum of five sources provided. 0 1 2 3 4 5

/8
Data-
All data displayed in the form of a chart will correct labels 0 1 2 3
and proper titles.

Relevant data displayed in the form of a graph with proper 0 1 2 3

labels (Titles for graphs and tables, axes labeled, correctly
scaled).
/6
Paper Format-
Font is 12 point, double spaced. 0 1 2 3

No grammar or spelling errors. 0 1 2 3 4 5

/8

Total /100
Science Fair Experiment and Exhibit

Experimental Set Up-

One variable is changed for each experiment. 1 2 3

All data, ideas, thoughts, questions, procedures, and notes are 1 2 3

kept in a log book.

A control is present and well identified in the experiment. 1 2 3

A consistent method is used for all samples. 1 2 3

Results shown are quantifiable and measured. 1 2 3

/15
Exhibit Appearance-
Exhibit board shows a good use of color. 1 2 3

Exhibit board shows purpose, hypothesis, 1 2 3

materials/procedure, data, discussion, and conclusion.

Exhibit board information is neat, organized, described well, 1 2 3

and is easy to read.

Exhibit display in front of the board looks “busy”, neat, and 1 2 3

complete.

Exhibit sits on a table and is presented well. 1 2 3

Any pictures were properly given credit to the photographer. 1 2 3

/18
Student Presentation-
Students were dressed up. 1 2 3

Students were not chewing gum or candy. 1 2 3

Students showed good posture and enthusiasm. 1 2 3

Students answered questions and spoke well about their topic. 1 2 3

/12

Total /45

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