SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION RUBRIC

No Credit
Not Even Close

Partial Credit
Nearly Meets Expectation

Full Credit
Meets Expectation

Does not specifically answer

the question or too much
analysis/ reasoning is
included

Clearly answers question but

includes some analysis or
reasoning

Clearly answer question in

one sentence

Answer fits with data but

incomplete
Answers most questions
Written in first person

Answer is fully consistent with

data and clear
All questions are answered
Written in third person

No Credit
Not Even Close

Partial Credit
Nearly Meets Expectation

Full Credit
Meets Expectation

My data shows that

without point out the data
being used
Pattern reference is absent or
not connected to actual data

Data supports claim but too

much or too little data is
referenced
Relies too much on a weak
pattern

Key data are presented that

connect clearly to the
investigation question
Pattern(s) relevant to the
question are clearly identified

REASONING CRITERIA

No Credit
Not Even Close

Partial Credit
Nearly Meets Expectation

Full Credit
Meets Expectation

Extra Credit
Exceeds Expectation

References Confidence
Level

Irrelevantly references
confidence level

Addresses range/ outliers/

excluded data

Irrelevantly references range/

outliers/ excluded data

References confidence and

provides support
Addresses specific range/
outliers/ excluded data (or
lack thereof)

Addresses range/ outliers/

excluded data and provides
possible reasoning for it

Addresses whether the

prediction was supported
by the data

Incorrectly references
prediction

References larger body of

scientific knowledge of data

Outside references are not

helpful

References confidence but

does not provide support
Addresses general range/
outliers/ excluded data (or
lack thereof)
References prediction, but
does not connect to
investigation
Outside references are not
developed or not clearly linked
to the claim

CLAIM CRITERIA
Answer is concise
Answer is consistent with
their data
Answers all questions
Written in third person

EVIDENCE CRITERIA
Summary of Data
Patterns of Data

Answer does not fit with data

Fair Test

OVERALL CRITERIA
Components (C, E, R) in the
right place
Appropriately use units,
digits, significant figures,
etc.

No Credit
Not Even Close

Partial Credit
Nearly Meets Expectation

Extra Credit
Exceeds Expectation

Extra Credit
Exceeds Expectation
Key data are presented in a
unique way

Connects prediction to
investigation findings
References established
patterns, principles, equations
as appropriate
Explains why investigation
was a fair test: controlled
variables

Full Credit
Meets Expectation

Reference the work of others

in the scientific community

Extra Credit
Exceeds Expectation

Solutions, Solubility, and Dilutions Mini-Essay

Assignment: Solutions are extremely helpful for research purposes and in a laboratory setting; however you see solutions every
single day! [1] Choose a solution you use on a regular basis or one that is seen in real life that you are intrigued by. These can
come from any area of life: cooking/ food in general, automotives, cosmetics, technology, etc. Make sure the solution you choose
is actually a solution! NOT simply a mixture; one substance must dissolve in another to form a homogenous mixture. [2] Describe
where/ when you see this solution in real life and [3] why you specifically chose this one. [4] In a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences)
give at least 3 properties of your solute and solvent (ionic vs. covalent; polar vs. nonpolar; saturated vs. unsaturated, etc.) and
estimate its solubility at room temperature. [5] Finally, propose a method for determining the concentration of your solution (M or
m, your choice) and [6] diluting it from its original volume (V1) to twice that volume (V2=2V1) and [7] find the new concentration.
Rubric:
Each category is worth 2 pointsyou can get 100% on this assignment by receiving all 2s.
[1] Choice of solution:
Not a solution or mixture

A mixture, but not a solution

Common solution example

Out-of-the-box example

[2] Description of solution in daily life:

No description
0

Vague description
1

Specific description
2

[3] Reasoning behind choice:

Reason not mentioned

Reason mentioned

[4] Properties (3) and solubility estimate (1):

0-1 properties included

2-3 properties included

All 4 properties included

>4 significant properties

[5] Method for determining concentration:

No method

Incomplete/ flawed method

Complete and feasible method

2

[6] Dilution calculations:

No calculations/ large error

Small errors/ missing units

Correct calculations and units

2

[7] Concentration calculations:

No calculations/ large error

Small errors/ missing units

Total points:

__________ / 14

Correct calculations and units

2