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International Virtual Science Symposium

IVSS: How Projects Are Judged (Rubrics)

Volunteer judges from around the world rate each submitted International Virtual Science Symposium report using an age-appropriate rubric to provide feedback to students. These rubrics are updated most years.

Rubrics for the 2022-2025 symposia are listed below by grade level/age. Students and teachers are encouraged to use this information to support the report writing and research process.

Search and review IVSS submitted projects from 2024.

2023 - 2025

Four Stars (Exceptional) Three Stars (Good) Two Stars (Needs Improvement) One Star (Insufficient)
  • The report is well organized, neat and well presented.
  • The writing is clear and concise.
  • The report contains the five elements required for acceptance, clearly labeled, and includes an in-depth discussion of each.
  • Report demonstrates the ability to draw insightful conclusions
  • Report contains all of the elements and most of the criteria listed below however some minor elements are unclear or missing.
  • Report makes clear connections among topics and ideas presented.
  • Report includes some discussion of topics addressed.
  • The report is well organized, neat and well presented.
  • The writing is clear.
  • The report contains the five elements required for acceptance, clearly labeled.
  • Report contains the five elements required for acceptance, however some major elements are missing.
  • The report is somewhat organized.
  • The report is missing one or more of the five elements required for acceptance, may or may not be clearly labeled, and could use some more work in certain areas.
  • Report submitted, but is missing significant information or does not contain all five elements required for acceptance in detail.

Project elements and criteria for High School and Undergraduate, ages 14-18+

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Abstract*

  • Concise (less than 300 words)
  • Context of research
  • Research questions
  • Objectives set
  • Brief methods description
  • Results
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations for a way forward
  • Key words that emphasize key ideas in the paper (3-5 words)

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Provide significant insight into both the topic of investigation and the research process
  • Answering them requires an advanced understanding of the subject matter
  • Require a thoughtful research plan
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

4. Introduction & Review of Literature 

  • Thorough (250-500 words)
  • Description of the problem
  • State of the science
  • Importance
  • Community relevance
  • Citations in text (at least 3-5 references, including one primary source in a peer-reviewed journal. Do not include wikis or Q&A sites such as answers.com. 

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Study site: A map and description of the study site. It should mention area of study, climatic characteristics and basic aspects of land cover
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • Print screen of data entry in the Web page of GLOBE.
  • Data analysis: Mention what kind of mathematical calculation was applied to analyze the data
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics applying statistical analysis of data to show mean, dispersion, or grouping data.
  • Data support the conclusions
  • Print screen of GLOBE Visualization page

7. Discussion

  • Interpretation of results
  • Possible sources of error
  • Comparison with similar studies
  • Discuss whether results support the hypothesis or not, and why

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thorough and insightful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, why it's important/relevant, impact, with regard to the science
  • What improvements in methods
  • What follow-on research/actions to be taken, future protocols that could be added
  • Impact of working with a project mentor

9. Bibliography/Citations

  • Materials correctly cited
  • GLOBE materials used
  • Sources beyond those powered by GLOBE
Four Stars (Exceptional) Three Stars (Good) Two Stars (Needs Improvement) One Star (Insufficient)
  • Report shows noticeable effort towards understanding complex scientific concepts.
  • The report is well organized, neat and well presented.
  • The writing is clear and concise.
  • The report contains the five elements required for acceptance, clearly labeled, and includes an in depth discussion of each.
  • Report demonstrates the ability to draw insightful conclusions.
  • Report contains all of the elements and most of the criteria listed below however some minor elements are unclear or missing.
  • Report makes mostly clear connections among topics and ideas presented.
  • Report includes some discussion of topics addressed.
  • The report is well organized, neat and well presented.
  • The writing is clear.
  • The report contains the five elements required for acceptance, with a insightful discussion.
  • Report contains some of the five elements required for acceptance, however some major elements are missing.
  • The report is somewhat organized.
  • The report is missing an in depth discussion or analysis of their topic.
  • Report is missing significant information and/or multiple sections of the report and does not contain all elements required for acceptance in detail.

 

Project elements and criteria for Middle School, ages 11-14 yrs

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Abstract*

  • Concise (less than 300 words)
  • Context of research
  • Research questions
  • Objectives set
  • Brief methods description
  • Results
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations for a way forward
  • Key words that emphasize key ideas in the paper (3-5 words)

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Provide significant insight into both the topic of investigation and the research process
  • Answering them requires an advanced understanding of the subject matter
  • Require a thoughtful research plan
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

4. Introduction & Review of Literature

  • Thorough (250-500 words)
  • Description of the problem
  • State of the science
  • Importance
  • Community relevance
  • Citations in text (at least 3-5 references, including one primary source in a peer-reviewed journal. Do not include wikis or Q&A sites such as answers.com. 

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Study site: A map and description of the study site. It should mention area of study, climatic characteristics and basic aspects of land cover
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • Print screen of data entry in the Web page of GLOBE.
  • Data analysis: Mention what kind of mathematical calculation was applied to analyze the data
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics applying statistical analysis of data to show mean, dispersion, or grouping data.
  • Data support the conclusions
  • Print screen of GLOBE Visualization page

7. Discussion

  • Interpretation of results
  • Possible sources of error
  • Comparison with similar studies
  • Discuss whether results support the hypothesis or not, and why

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thorough and insightful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, why it's important/relevant, impact, with regard to the science
  • What improvements in methods
  • What follow-on research/actions to be taken, future protocols that could be added
  • Impact of working with a project mentor

9. Bibliography/Citations

  • Materials correctly cited
  • GLOBE materials used
  • Sources beyond those powered by GLOBE
Four Stars (Exceptional) Three Stars (Good) Two Stars (Needs Improvement) One Star (Insufficient)
  • Report touches on thoughtful connections between scientific concepts appropriate for this grade band.
  • The report is well organized and shows potential towards further development of ideas and concepts.
  • The report contains all of the five elements required for acceptance, clearly labeled.
  • The students show enthusiasm and excitement for their topic and potentially suggest ways to connect their research to their greater community.
  • Writing is clear but there may be minor errors throughout the report.
  • Report makes clear connections among topics and ideas presented that are appropriate for this grade band.
  • The report contains most of the five elements required for acceptance, clearly labeled.
  • The students show enthusiasm for their topic.
  • Some elements are unclear or missing.
  • The report is somewhat organized but the formatting may be hard to follow.
  • The report could use significant improvements in certain areas appropriate for this grade band.
  • Major elements and significant sections of the report are unclear or missing.
  • Report writing and formatting is unclear or does not align with GLOBE IVSS report formatting standards.

 

Project elements and criteria for Grades 3-5 Upper Primary, ages 8-11

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Summary*

  • The problem
  • Research questions
  • Objectives set
  • Conclusions

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Provide significant insight into both the topic of investigation and the research process
  • Require a thoughtful research plan
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

4. Introduction

  • Description of the problem
  • Importance
  • Community relevance

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Study site: A map and description of the study site. It should mention area of study, climatic characteristics and basic aspects of land cover
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • Print screen of data entry in the Web page of GLOBE.
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics of data
  • Data support the conclusions

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thorough and insightful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, stating why they are important or relevant
  • What follow-on research and actions could be taken; future protocols that could be added
  • Impact of working with a project mentor

9. Bibliography

  • Materials listed
  • GLOBE materials used
Four Stars (Exceptional) Three Stars (Good) Two Stars (Needs Improvement) One Star (Insufficient)
  • Report shows enthusiasm for the sciences and potential for further growth and understanding at this grade band.
  • Students are creative in their research/ approach to writing this report and do their best to accomplish all of the elements required for the IVSS.
  • Content is informative and has most supporting details.
  • Students are creative in their research/ approach to writing this report and do their best to accomplish most of the elements required for the IVSS.
  • Students are enthusiastic about their report topic.
  • Content is informative and has some supporting details.
  • Students do their best to accomplish some of the elements required for the IVSS.
  • Writing may be a little unclear but the report is still organized.
  • Report could use significant work to clarify main points and understanding for this grade band.
  • Students do their best to accomplish the elements required for the IVSS but have left out significant sections or ideas.
  • Report is fairly unorganized, does not follow IVSS formatting, and/or writing may be unclear.

 

Project elements and criteria for Grades K-2, ages 5-8

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Summary*

  • The problem
  • Research questions
  • Conclusions

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics of data
  • Data support the conclusions

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thoughtful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, stating why they are important or relevant
  • Impact of working with a project mentor or teacher(s)

 

2022

Project elements and criteria for High School and Undergraduate, ages 14-18+

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Abstract*

  • Concise (less than 300 words)
  • Context of research
  • Research questions
  • Objectives set
  • Brief methods description
  • Results
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations for a way forward
  • Key words that emphasize key ideas in the paper (3-5 words)

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Provide significant insight into both the topic of investigation and the research process
  • Answering them requires an advanced understanding of the subject matter
  • Require a thoughtful research plan
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

4. Introduction & Review of Literature 

  • Thorough (250-500 words)
  • Description of the problem
  • State of the science
  • Importance
  • Community relevance
  • Citations in text (at least 3-5 references, including one primary source in a peer-reviewed journal. Do not include wikis or Q&A sites such as answers.com. 

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Study site: A map and description of the study site. It should mention area of study, climatic characteristics and basic aspects of land cover
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • Print screen of data entry in the Web page of GLOBE.
  • Data analysis: Mention what kind of mathematical calculation was applied to analyze the data
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics applying statistical analysis of data to show mean, dispersion, or grouping data.
  • Data support the conclusions
  • Print screen of GLOBE Visualization page

7. Discussion

  • Interpretation of results
  • Possible sources of error
  • Comparison with similar studies
  • Discuss whether results support the hypothesis or not, and why

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thorough and insightful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, why it's important/relevant, impact, with regard to the science
  • What improvements in methods
  • What follow-on research/actions to be taken, future protocols that could be added
  • Impact of working with a project mentor

9. Bibliography/Citations

  • Materials correctly cited
  • GLOBE materials used
  • Sources beyond those powered by GLOBE

Project elements and criteria for Middle School, ages 11-14 yrs

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Abstract*

  • Concise (less than 300 words)
  • Context of research
  • Research questions
  • Objectives set
  • Brief methods description
  • Results
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations for a way forward
  • Key words that emphasize key ideas in the paper (3-5 words)

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Provide significant insight into both the topic of investigation and the research process
  • Answering them requires an advanced understanding of the subject matter
  • Require a thoughtful research plan
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

4. Introduction & Review of Literature

  • Thorough (250-500 words)
  • Description of the problem
  • State of the science
  • Importance
  • Community relevance
  • Citations in text (at least 3-5 references, including one primary source in a peer-reviewed journal. Do not include wikis or Q&A sites such as answers.com. 

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Study site: A map and description of the study site. It should mention area of study, climatic characteristics and basic aspects of land cover
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • Print screen of data entry in the Web page of GLOBE.
  • Data analysis: Mention what kind of mathematical calculation was applied to analyze the data
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics applying statistical analysis of data to show mean, dispersion, or grouping data.
  • Data support the conclusions
  • Print screen of GLOBE Visualization page

7. Discussion

  • Interpretation of results
  • Possible sources of error
  • Comparison with similar studies
  • Discuss whether results support the hypothesis or not, and why

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thorough and insightful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, why it's important/relevant, impact, with regard to the science
  • What improvements in methods
  • What follow-on research/actions to be taken, future protocols that could be added
  • Impact of working with a project mentor

9. Bibliography/Citations

  • Materials correctly cited
  • GLOBE materials used
  • Sources beyond those powered by GLOBE

   

Project elements and criteria for Grades 3-5 Upper Primary, ages 8-11

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Summary*

  • The problem
  • Research questions
  • Objectives set
  • Conclusions

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Provide significant insight into both the topic of investigation and the research process
  • Require a thoughtful research plan
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

4. Introduction

  • Description of the problem
  • Importance
  • Community relevance

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Study site: A map and description of the study site. It should mention area of study, climatic characteristics and basic aspects of land cover
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • Print screen of data entry in the Web page of GLOBE.
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics of data
  • Data support the conclusions

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thorough and insightful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, stating why they are important or relevant
  • What follow-on research and actions could be taken; future protocols that could be added
  • Impact of working with a project mentor

9. Bibliography

  • Materials listed
  • GLOBE materials used

Project elements and criteria for Grades K-2, ages 5-8

* required element

1. Title*

  • Concise (less than 15 words)
  • Summarizes paper’s content

2. Summary*

  • The problem
  • Research questions
  • Conclusions

3. Research Questions*

  • Include why they are important and are of scientific interest
  • Concern some aspect of Earth’s environment (local or global issue)
  • Are answerable through scientific research appropriate to the scope of the report

5. Research Methods*

  • There is a direct link provided between the datasets and research question(s)
  • Data collection: A description of GLOBE protocols used to answer the research question as well as where and how data was gathered in the field (sampling method: Where, how many samples were measured)
  • The data presented are sufficient to answer the research question(s)

6. Results

  • Tables and graphics of data
  • Data support the conclusions

8. Conclusion*

  • Gives a thoughtful explanation as to how the conclusion was reached
  • Put findings in context, stating why they are important or relevant
  • Impact of working with a project mentor or teacher(s)