Science Writing Rubric

Name: _______________________________
 
Excellent
Fair
Needs Improvement
Science Content Accurate; Connected to big ideas in science Mostly accurate; Connections to big ideas are not clear Inaccurate; Not connected to big ideas in science
Information Sources Multiple sources; Wide range of resource types; Reliable sources; Current sources Two or more sources; Two types of resources; Some reliable sources; Some current sources; One source (often personal knowledge or text only); Narrow range of resources; Unreliable sources; Out of date sources
Organization & Presentation Main ideas are clearly presented; Ideas are presented in an appropriate order; Ideas are supported by information and logic; Appropriate conclusions are based upon evidence presented; Effective use of models, diagrams, charts, and graphs Main ideas are presented to some extent; Ideas are not presented in an order that adds clarity; Some ideas are supported by information and logic; Conclusions do not follow from ideas presented; Some appropriate use of models, diagrams, charts, and graphs No main idea presented; Ideas are presented in an order that distracts from clear communication; Ideas are not supported by information and are illogical; Inappropriate conclusions are presented No use of models, diagrams, charts, and graphs
Conventions Generally error free in regards to sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and standard usage Sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and standard usage errors are noticeable, but do not seriously impair readability Errors in sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and standard usage impair readability
Use of Science Language Consistent use of appropriate science language and terminology Partial use of appropriate science language and terminology Inaccurate use of science language and terminology

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