Points                                                       Selection of

article

 Beginning (3-4)  

Not about science.

No authority quoted.

Source of article not stated.

Fewer than 500 words.

Developing(5)       

Includes science content.

Authority quoted.

Source stated.

500 words or more.

Proficient (6)

Includes scientific research.

Authority quoted.

Reliable source stated.

500 words or more.

Understanding

of article

Highlighting misses important points and/or includes irrelevant material.

Summary misses key points and/or includes nonessentials.

Most highlighting correctly identifies important points.

Summary shows understanding of most key points.

Highlighting shows understanding of scientific methods and results.

Summary shows understanding of all key points.

Completion

One or more section not attempted and/or partial responses to questions.

Not typed, pages missing

Poor spelling and grammar

All sections attempted.

Responses do not always address question.

Typed and pages attached

Several mistakes in spelling and grammar

All sections completed.

Responses address all aspects of the questions.

Typed and all pages attached

Few or no mistakes in spelling and grammar

Quality

Responses show limited understanding of the article.

Responses are not written in complete sentences.

Responses are unorganized, hurried, scattered, or messy, with little evidence for active engagement in the project.

Question is unrelated to or answered in the article.

Responses show partial understanding of the article.

Most responses are written in complete sentences.

Responses are poorly organized and show some engagement, with attempts at responding thoughtfully.

Question is related to article but vague.

Responses show evidence of complete understanding of the article.

All responses are written in complete sentences.

Responses are organized, show attention to detail, thoughtfulness, and active engagement in the project.

Question is related to article and thoughtful.