This assessment tool outlines how students demonstrate critical thinking through observation, interpretation, evaluation, and reasoning during scientific investigations. Educators can use it to assess inquiry-based learning, evidence use, and reasoning skills aligned with scientific practices and NGSS standards. This resource forms part of the following teaching guides: - Who Wins and Who Loses in a Rapidly Changing Forest?- What Happened at Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry?- What Dinosaur Did These Bones Come From?- Insect Apocalypse