Rubrics are included as part of the Middle School Science Curriculum Frameworks.

Essential Element	0	1	2	3	4
Project Design (See Project Design Diagram)	None present	3 or more components listed in #3 è missing, incomplete, or vague.	1-2 components listed in #3 è missing, incomplete, or vague.	Includes clearly stated: 1) Problem/Need that lends itself to a technological solution 2) Goal stated in terms of product and outcome 3) Constraints 4) Alternatives Considered 5) Design Strategy.	All of # 3 stated in detail plus realistic goals; measurable outcome; shows clear understanding of multiple constraints, resources, alternatives.
Design Process	None stated	Has only one of the three components listed in #3. è	Has two of the three components listed in #3. è	1) Project addresses a clearly stated need; 2) shows evidence of a process of refining the product; 3) uses controlled experiment to test the final design.	All components in #3 plus evidence that one or more controlled experiments informed the design process and helped shape the final product.
Conceptual Understanding	None	Has only one of the three components listed in #3 è Or weak application of all three.	Has two of the three components listed in #3 è Or weak application of one or more components.	1) Project related to key concepts in life, earth, and/or physical science appropriate for the grade level; 2) uses those concepts to accurately explain functioning of design; 3) relates conceptual understanding to problem, goals, results.	All of # 3 plus represents key concepts in multiple ways: words, charts, diagrams, artwork, models, etc.
Controlled Experiment	Not present	Has only one of the components listed in #3. è	Has two or three components listed in #3. è	1) Problem question addresses the goals of the design; 2) demonstrates understanding of variables/constants/controls; 3) collects and analyzes data; 4) uses conclusion to suggest further refinements to the design.	All of #3 plus use of appropriate number of trials and levels of the independent variable.
Example of Design Product	None	2 or more components listed in # 3 è missing, incomplete, or vague.	One component listed in #3 è missing, incomplete, or vague.	1) Product functions as described; 2) shows clear innovation or novel use of existing technology; 3) uses easily obtained materials.	Includes all of # 3 plus has immediate aesthetic appeal.
Display	No display	2 or more Essential Elements: missing, or labels don’t match content.	One Essential Element: missing or labels and content don’t match.	1) All Essential Elements present; 2) labels and content match; 3) recognizable organization.	All of # 3 plus clean, neat, eye-catching display board appropriately decorated.
Oral Presentation	None	Meets 1 or none of the components listed in #3.è	Meets 2 of the components listed in #3.è	1) Stays on topic; 2) clearly describes problem, constraints, design process, conclusion; 3) stays within time limit (3-8 minutes).	All of # 3 plus clearly structured delivery with introduction, development, and conclusion.

MSSCF Contents

[Introduction] [Matrix] [Guide] [Our Vision]
[Grade 5] [Grade 6] [Grade 7] [Grade 8] [Projects] [Presentations]
[Rubrics & Design Diagrams] [Standards]