Virtual Science Symposium

VSS: How Projects Are Reviewed

STEM professionals serve as volunteer reviewers to evaluate each submitted Virtual Science Symposium (VSS) project. Reviewers award badges and provide written feedback on projects submitted to the VSS.

Search and review IVSS submitted projects from 2025.

2026

STEM professionals will provide feedback on projects submitted to the Virtual Science Symposium using a feedback from provided by the GLOBE Implementation Office. Feedback will be focused on the research question(s), research methods, results, discussion/conclusion, and presentation organization. Reviewers will also award badges to highlight areas of excellence demonstrated in research projects.

In past years, age-appropriate rubrics were used to provide feedback to participants. Rubrics for the 2022-2025 symposia are listed below by grade level/age. 

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.
  • The report is somewhat organized but would benefit from additional structure.
  • The report is missing one or more of the five elements required for acceptance, adn teh elements 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)