A periodic audit identifies missing explanations and engineering work still to do. Record gaps honestly; do not manufacture evidence.
flowchart TD
Start([Audit time
pre-event week]) --> ForEach{For each
rubric category}
ForEach --> Search[Search notebook
for evidence]
Search --> Q1{Evidence found?}
Q1 -->|"Yes, strong"| Mark[Mark category
as covered]
Q1 -->|"Yes, but weak"| Improve[Plan dated clarification
with supporting evidence]
Q1 -->|"No"| Gap[GAP — identify missing
work or documentation]
Mark --> NextCat[Next category]
Improve --> NextCat
Gap --> NextCat
NextCat --> Q2{More categories?}
Q2 -->|"Yes"| ForEach
Q2 -->|"No"| Summary[Compile gap list
assign owners + deadlines]
Summary --> Fix[Do further work or add
honestly dated clarification]
Fix --> Done([Audit complete])
style Start fill:#1e293b,stroke:#22d3ee,stroke-width:2px,color:#e2e8f0
style Done fill:#1e293b,stroke:#22c55e,stroke-width:2px,color:#e2e8f0
style Q1 fill:#fbbf24,color:#0f172a,stroke:#fbbf24
style Q2 fill:#fbbf24,color:#0f172a,stroke:#fbbf24
style Gap fill:#7f1d1d,color:#fecaca,stroke:#ef4444
Review whether a reader can trace your team's decisions, tests, and iterations through dated, attributed entries.
Spartan coaching: These examples and prompts teach a method; they are not entries to copy or a required notebook format. Record your team's actual work, including uncertainty and failed tests, in students' own words. Never invent earlier decisions or results. See our student-centered policy guidance and current notebook rubric reference. The official GRSF rubric controls if this guide conflicts with it.
Notebook Organization allows chronological or sectional organization. Dates, identifiable student authors, a usable TOC, and source credit help readers follow the record. Preserve the sequence of engineering work within either arrangement.
Use these coaching checks alongside the current rubric. They are not a timed judging filter or award eligibility test.