Predictions
Standard |
No Evidence |
Beginning |
Developing |
Proficient |
Excellent |
Mastering |
I-1. Predictions Develop testable predictions |
No evidence of developing a prediction |
You develop a prediction |
You develop a testable prediction |
You develop a prediction that is testable, incorporates accurate scientific knowledge and observations, and which you can reasonably investigate |
Your work is proficient and your presentation is excellent. |
Your work is excellent and you explain what additional questions could come from testing your prediction |
A Good Prediction
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An Excellent Prediction
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Go Above & Beyondincluding an explanation of the additional questions that would come from testing your prediction.
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A scientific prediction is a testable answer to a scientific question.
A good scientific prediction is testable
It is testable if it can be answered through a hands-on investigation that you can do.
Good: Hummingbirds will eat from a red feeder the most.
Great: If given sugar water in blue, green, and red feeders, hummingbirds will drink the most from the red feeder, because hummingbirds prefer the color red.
Good: Hummingbirds will eat from a red feeder the most.
Great: If given sugar water in blue, green, and red feeders, hummingbirds will drink the most from the red feeder, because hummingbirds prefer the color red.
A good scientific prediction is logical.
It is logical if it builds on what you already know by aligning with scientific knowledge that you already have.
Good: A sunflower will grow tallest under white light.
Great: If grown under white, green, and red lights, a sunflower will grow the tallest under white light, because sunflowers in nature grow under the sun's white light.
Good: A sunflower will grow tallest under white light.
Great: If grown under white, green, and red lights, a sunflower will grow the tallest under white light, because sunflowers in nature grow under the sun's white light.
A good scientific prediction is supported.
It is supported if you fully explain your reasoning using the if / then / because format.
Great: If asked about their favorite lunch at Forest Ridge, then most students will choose Pasta Monday, because fewer students bring lunch from home on Mondays.
- If the changed variable (what you choose to change in your test)
- then the measured variable (what you expect to measure as a result of your test)
- Because your reasoning (why you think this will happen)
Great: If asked about their favorite lunch at Forest Ridge, then most students will choose Pasta Monday, because fewer students bring lunch from home on Mondays.