SCALE Scientific Practices Rubric

Chemical reactions can be described as endothermic or exothermic depending on whether energy is used or given off during a reaction. Practically, these types of reactions can be used as instant hot or cold packs at times when we need them, such as in hand warmers. In this task, students will be...

Students will select two images that represent examples of weathering, erosion, or plate tectonics anywhere in the world, and use evidence from these features to model and provide a written explanation of their formation through a comic book. 

In this task, students will demonstrate their ability to describe and interpret plotted climate data to explain the reasons for differences in climate among four different United States cities: Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The...

In this task, students will demonstrate their understanding of the water cycle by considering the inputs and outputs of water as it moves through a watershed in New York state.  The students start with a simple model dominated by one input and one output. Students begin by calculating the volume...

This NGSS-aligned common analytic rubric assesses students' ability to design an experiment, develop and use models, and analyze and interpret data within the discpline of science. 

Student teams will research and define the terms “efficiency” and “energy efficient.” Based on their research, teams will design and build a vehicle. Then they will experimentally test the vehicle’s efficiency.

After analyzing the initial data of the vehicle’s performance, teams will re-...

This task demonstrates the importance of osmotic balance for cells to function properly, and what the consequences are when that balance is not met.

This task fits into the curriculum of basic cell biology. Students should engage in some initial discussion of diffusion and osmosis, and...

In this task, students will work in teams to develop a new recipe for Milo Bread Company. Currently, Milo produces very good bread, as evidenced by its weekly sales. However, recent sales have dropped and the CEO of Milo wants to improve the recipe. Students are asked to adjust the recipe used...