Earth Science

Figure 4.9 Assessment Criteria Checklist for Analyzing Scientific Explanations

Explanation Criteria N/A

Not at

all

Partially Yes

The Claim or Statement

1. Is a claim or statement in response to
   the question made?


2. Is the claim or statement stated as a
   complete sentence, without beginning
   with yes, no, or the answer choice?


3. Is the claim or statement related to the
   question


4. Is the claim or statement scientifically
   correct?

Evidence (from experiences outside of school, prior knowledge, or science activities and
investigations)

5. Is the type of evidence appropriate for
   supporting the claim or statement?


6. Is there sufficient evidence?


7. Is the evidence scientifically accurate?

Reasoning (linking the evidence to the claim or statement using a scientific principle)

8. Does the reasoning or “rule” used in the
   explanation stand out to the reader (i.e.,
   is it obvious)?


9. Does the reasoning make a link between
   the evidence and the claim or
   statement?


10. Is a scientific principle or knowledge of
    scientific ideas used to describe why the
    evidence supports the claim or
    statement?

Overall Explanation

11. If your explanation is based on an
    investigation or activity from your
    science class, would someone who is
    not in your class be able to read your
    explanation and understand how the
    investigation or activity supports it?


12. If your explanation is based on your real-
    life experiences or prior knowledge,
    would someone be able to read your
    explanation and understand how the
    experience or prior knowledge supports
    it?
    SOURCE: Adapted from Krajcik et al. (2006)