Scientific Literacy Rubric

The ability to apply scientific methods to understand the natural world, to identify scientific aspects of daily life, and evaluate the quality of scientific information on the basis of its source and the methods used for its generation, and to identify how scientific research and society influence each other

Description

Scientific Literacy, the ability to identify and understand scientific knowledge and thinking, is necessary for participating actively in democracy and engaging as a thoughtful global citizen. Scientific Literacy explores how scientific thinking and knowledge helps us comprehend and address the complex problems facing society. To make reasonable judgements about the validity of scientific claims, one must first know how such claims are made and supported; have at least a baseline level of knowledge in a scientific field; be aware of the social and institutional bases of scientific credibility; and recognize the powers and limitations of scientific approaches.

PDF

A traditional rubric PDF for Scientific Literacy can be found here

How Science Works

Applies and explains a scientific method to test a hypothesis. Collects and analyzes the information to draw tentative conclusions, explaining the degree and causes of uncertainty.

Applies a scientific method to test a hypothesis, and explain the method used and why it is valid. Collects and analyzes the information to draw tentative conclusions.

Applies a scientific method to test a hypothesis, and provides a method. Uses findings to help answer questions.

Follows instructions in an effort to arrive at a “correct” answer, working under the assumption that all problems are structured (have a single correct answer).

Does not utilize the scientific method when attempting to understand a problem.

Strengths and limitations of science

Evaluates strengths and deficits of different methods and disciplines, justifies choice of methods, and articulates the limitations of science and scientific methods.

Recognizes that there are limits to scientific approaches and that not all questions are answerable by scientific methods. Can appropriately identify these limitations independently.

Recognizes that not all questions can be answered by a scientific approach, and, with guidance, can distinguish which.

Recognizes that some questions cannot be answered by a scientific approach, but cannot distinguish which.

Does not recognize the difference between questions that can and cannot be addressed through a scientific approach.

Scientific Knowledge

Uses scientific knowledge and concepts in new situations or to solve problems. Applies science concepts conceptually to disparate areas of knowledge (scientific and other fields).

Defines and explains scientific terminology and applies scientific concepts within a field to interpret or approach a problem.

Defines scientific terminology and grasps scientific concepts. Restates provided explanations of scientific phenomena.

Defines scientific terminology but does not grasp scientific concepts.  Restates provided explanations of scientific phenomena incompletely or imperfectly.

Does not demonstrate an understanding of terminology relevant to the field.

Scientific argumentation and reliability

Critiques and reconciles conflicting claims about scientific evidence. Evaluates the credibility and biases of scientific claims and the rhetorical strategies used in communicating scientific information.

Identifies characteristics of what makes scientific information credible and how and where bias may be introduced. Uses reliable scientific information to support a position or distinguish between conflicting scientific claims.

Distinguishes reliable scientific sources independently and explains why they are reliable (or not).  Recognizes when conflicting claims are made.

Independently distinguishes some reliable from unreliable sources of scientific information, or can do so with assistance.  May  not articulate why sources are reliable or unreliable.

Does not distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of scientific information.

Science and Society

Critically evaluates the social, political, economic, and cultural drivers of scientific research and separates those from the validity of the science itself.  Evaluates costs and benefits of scientific and technological advances both for themselves and for society as a whole (local to global), recognizes that the benefits and harms of these advances impact different populations differentially, and uses that information to defend their own personal and political decisions and actions.

Identifies the ways that scientific research is driven by technological, economic, social, political and/or cultural contexts. Demonstrates how the conduct and advances of science differentially impact people’s lives and social systems. Uses this knowledge to inform their own personal and political decisions and actions.

Recognizes that scientific research is driven by technological, social, political and cultural contexts. Sees that there are benefits and harms but not how different populations are differentially impacted.

Acknowledges that the scientific enterprise is conducted by human beings and that, therefore, it has some elements of subjectivity. Does not identify the ways that subjectivity is shaped by social, cultural, and historical context.

May identify some of the benefits and harms of scientific work.

Views science as completely objective. Cannot explain or identify the benefits and harms of scientific work.