Science Essay Evaluation Rubric    

Student Name:

 

Score:

 Class Period:                                                Date:

This analytic rubric is used to verify specific tasks performed when producing an essay. If the task has been successfully completed, all points are awarded. No points are awarded if the task is not complete.

Category

Scoring Criteria

Points

Student
Evaluation

Teacher
Evaluation

Introduction
10 points

A thesis statement makes the purpose of the essay clear.
(Thesis statements do not begin, "this essay is about".)

5

 

 

Background information is provided to establish the importance of the essay topic.
(Examples include definitions of key terms or a short outline of a complicated concept.)

5

 

 

Report of
Research
15 points

Curriculum concepts for the topic are well covered.
(Curriculum concepts for each essay are found on the essay planning guide.)

5

 

 

The essay demonstrates the application of the most current scientific information to the student's ideas about the topic.
(Your ideas must be included.)

5

 

 

Information in the essay is presented in the student's own words, not "cut and pasted" from research sources.
(Any complex terms must be defined in the introduction.)

5

 

 

Conclusion
10 points

Student's thoughts presented in the essay are summarized.
(This is your chance to emphasize the point of the essay.)

5

 

 

The most important research findings are restated.
(What do you want the reader to remember?)

3

 

 

No new information is introduced.

2

 

 

Rewrite
15 points

The essay is typed using a standard 12 point font.
(If there is any question about what standard means - ask!)

5

 

 

There are no spelling errors or visible corrections.
(Proof-reading is required - even with spell-check.)

5

 

 

There are no obvious grammar or punctuation errors.
(Such as the use of "their - there", and "to - too - two")

5

 

 

Score

Total Points

50

 

 

Self-evaluation

Students are expected to honestly evaluate their own work. If the difference between the student evaluation and the teacher evaluation is more than 10 points, 5 points will be deducted from the teacher's score when the grade is recorded.