Research Project Rubric — Reducing Water Waste at School
Class: Second-year secondary
Group size: 4 students
Deliverables: 1,000-word report + 5-minute presentation
Due date: 19 November 2026
Total score: 100 points
| Criterion and Weight | Excellent | Proficient | Developing | Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Research Question and Focus Weight: 15 points |
13–15 points The research question is specific to water waste at their school, can be answered with school data, and clearly identifies the problem. Example: “Which taps or water activities waste the most water in our school?” |
10–12 points The question is related to water waste and school life, but it may be somewhat broad or not fully measurable. It can still guide the project with minor clarification. |
7–9 points The question is vague, too general, or only loosely connected to school water waste. Example: “Why is water important?” |
0–6 points There is no clear research question, or the question is unrelated to water waste at school. |
| 2. School Data Collection and Accuracy Weight: 25 points |
22–25 points The group collects at least 3 simple school data sets, such as water meter readings, a leak/tap survey, or a student water-use survey. The method, units, dates, sample size, and location are clear. Data are recorded accurately. |
16–21 points The group collects at least 2 relevant school data sets. The method is mostly clear, but some details such as units, dates, sample size, or location may be missing. Minor errors may be present. |
10–15 points The group collects only 1 weak data set, or the data are vague, such as “many students waste water.” The method, units, or sample size are unclear. Some inconsistencies appear. |
0–9 points No real school data are collected, or the data appear fabricated, copied without evidence, or unrelated to the school. |
| 3. Analysis and Interpretation Weight: 20 points |
18–20 points The group uses numbers from the data to explain patterns, causes, and the main sources of water waste. The analysis clearly connects the data to the research question and may mention limitations. |
13–17 points The group describes the main patterns and uses some numbers, but the explanation of causes or connection to the research question is limited. |
8–12 points The group mostly restates the data or gives unsupported claims. Numbers are rarely used, and the link to the research question is weak. |
0–7 points There is little or no analysis. Statements are unsupported, unrelated to the data, or copied without explanation. |
| 4. Proposed Solution and Feasibility Weight: 20 points |
18–20 points The solution directly responds to the data and is realistic for the school. It includes clear steps, responsible people, needed materials or cost if relevant, expected water savings, and possible obstacles. |
13–17 points The solution is related to the problem and mostly feasible, but some details are missing, such as clear steps, responsibility, expected savings, or possible obstacles. |
8–12 points The solution is vague or generic, such as “students should save water.” It is not clearly linked to the data and feasibility is unclear. |
0–7 points There is no solution, or the solution is impossible, unrelated to school water waste, or not connected to the research. |
| 5. Report, Presentation, and Source Documentation Weight: 20 points |
18–20 points The report is about 1,000 words ±10%, and the presentation is about 5 minutes ±30 seconds. The work is organized, clear, and all four members speak or contribute visibly. The group uses at least 3 credible sources with simple, consistent citations. Language errors rarely affect meaning. |
13–17 points The report and presentation mostly meet length and time requirements. The work is understandable and organized, but some parts may be unclear. Most members speak. The group uses 2–3 sources, with minor citation errors or some language errors. |
8–12 points The report or presentation is noticeably too short, too long, or poorly organized. Participation may be unbalanced. The group uses only 1 source or cites inconsistently. Frequent language errors affect clarity. |
0–7 points The report or presentation is missing, far outside requirements, or copied without credit. There is little organization, no clear source documentation, or no meaningful presentation. |
Total Score Summary
| Criterion | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Research Question and Focus | 15 |
| School Data Collection and Accuracy | 25 |
| Analysis and Interpretation | 20 |
| Proposed Solution and Feasibility | 20 |
| Report, Presentation, and Source Documentation | 20 |
| Total | 100 |