1. AP Mini-Poster Rubric
(modified from a rubric used byColorado SpringsSchool District’s and OlatheEastHigh School’s science departments)
Score Advanced (5) Proficient (3) Needs Improvement (1)
Title Title indicates the nature of the Title is somewhat indicative of the Title is vague.
investigation. nature of the investigation.
Abstract Adequately summarizes the main features Provides a summary of work The summary is unclear,
and results of the work described more described in the poster, but is incomplete, and/or illogical.
completely in the poster. missing some of the main features
and/or results of the investigation.
Research Question is narrowly focused and suggests Question is answerable but not Question is too broad and not
Question(s) how an answer might be investigated. It is narrowly focused. practically investigated.
answerable.
Background/ The background clearly provides the The background is provided, but The background is poorly
Literature context, or what is known, for the research there is little “tie in” to the nature of stated and provides little
question(s). the investigation. context for the investigation.
Review
Identification Correctly identifies specific, measurable Identifies variable being tested (IV) Variables and
of Variables independent and dependent variables. & variable being measured (DV). constantssignificantly
incomplete &/or inaccurate.
(if applicable)
Hypothesis Hypothesis is testable and clearly stated in Hypothesis is clearly stated. It Hypothesis is poorly stated
“If… then…” format. Specifically predicts predicts the influence of one and doesn’t directly mention
relationship between dependent and variable on another. the variables.
independent variables.
Procedure Accurately tests the hypothesis Attempts to test hypothesis Does not address hypothesis.
Conducts or analyzes at least 3 trials. Multiple trials attempted or need is Single trial, poor
recognized. understanding of use of
multiple trials.
Procedure is in past tense/passive voice, Step-by-step procedure, generally Procedure difficult to follow.
vertical list format, accurate, complete, complete. Minor errors/omissions Major omissions or errors.
easy-to-follow, and reproducible by another make it difficult to follow or not
person. Includes diagrams to clarify always repeatable. Not in past
procedures. tense/passive voice.
Includes all appropriate safety concerns. Includes critical safety concerns. Safety concerns trivial or
inadequately addressed.
Materials Complete, detailed list of materials (size, Most materials are listed and Materials quite incomplete or
conc., quantity) presented in vertical list appropriate. inappropriate for experiment.
format.
Data Data table contains accurate,precise raw Data table with accurate data,most Data table inaccurate,
Collection and data & summary datareported in correct SI units labeled or implied.Minor confusing,and/or incomplete.
units withdescriptive title. errors. Title absent ortrivial. Missing units.
Presentation Data summarized in wellorganized,easy-to- Data displayed in well Graph/figures presented in
read graph&/or figures. Descriptive organizedeasy to read graph &/or aconfusing and/or sloppy
title,appropriate labeling, keys, etc. figures. fashion.
Descriptive title, minor errors inuse
of units and labeling.
Data summarized in a clear,concise, logical Reasonable, but somewhatunclear Summary is unclear and
manner.Patterns identified & described,but summary of data.Patterns in data not illogical.Patterns in data not
no conclusions drawn. clearlyidentified. identified.
Discussion/ Scientifically valid, logicalconclusion, well Scientifically valid, Conclusion is incomplete
Conclusion supported by thedata collected. Clearly logicalconclusion, supported by orillogical. Does not address
addresses problem and stated hypothesis. datacollected. Attempts to theproblem and hypothesis.
addressproblem and stated
hypothesis.
Sources of error identified andexplained. Sources of error identified. Weak/trivial attempt to
Appropriaterecommendations made to identifysources of error.
eliminate errors.
Student generates specificquestions for Student makes attempt togenerate Student makes incomplete or
future study. questions for futurestudy. inappropriate attempt to
extend orapply knowledge.
Literature Cited [reputable] work/literature is listed in Cited work is incomplete OR not in Cited work in incomplete
Cited correct bibliographic form (CSE- Council correct bibliographic form. AND not in correct
of Science Editors). bibliographic form.