Learning the scientific method and how to apply it properly to experiments is a key concept and a major purpose behind science-fair projects. Therefore, one-fourth of the rubric should focus on the scientific method and how it was applied to the project. Here is an example of a rubric column:
Heading: "Demonstrates knowledge and application of the scientific method."
4 points: Can explain all six steps clearly, and is able to fully articulate the hypothesis and conclusion
3 points: Shows some understanding of the scientific method, and can explain four to five steps clearly
2 points: Can explain two to three steps of the scientific method with help from the display board
1 point: Can explain the conclusion or hypothesis only, must use the display board for help with the explanation
A passion and strong interest in the particular subject matter of the project --- whether it is "Which brand of batteries last longest?" or "Do plants grow best when given water or soda?" --- should be considered on the rubric as well. One rubric column should have a heading similar to "Show knowledge in the project subject matter." The points should be assigned similarly to this:
4 points: Student is noticeably excited about the project, and discusses it enthusiastically and intelligently
3 points: Student is engaged and shares information, using the project board for some help
2 points: Student can tell about the project, but only when answering specific questions
1 point: Student answers one or two questions about the project, but offers no information unprompted
Students should have all of the data they collected clearly organized in lists, graphs or charts. There should be evidence of research trhoughout, with works properly cited. Here is how this column should read:
4 points: Written paper has a cover, table of contents, research and interviews, and a works-cited page formatted correctly
3 points: Written paper has a cover, table of contents and research
2 points: The paper has a cover and some research is evident.
1 point: Paper is minimally prepared with none of the required elements
A student should earn zero points if a written paper is not present.
Many students see the display board as the project itself. Ideally, however, weeks or months of research and data collection have preceded the creation of the display board. Nonetheless, since the display board is the vehicle for showing the project to the world, it should be neat, concise and instructive. Photographs add credibility and visual appeal. Here is an example of a rubric column for the display board:
4 points: The display board is neatly lettered and organized, with photographs and all of the steps to the scientific method in their own section
3 points: The display board has the scientific-method steps but no photographs
2 points: The display board is attractive, but does not clearly demonstrate the research and experiment process
1 point: The display board is minimal, messy, and contains spelling and grammatical errors