Grade 8 Science Minute Rubric

2014 - 2015

Benchmark

Exemplary

ESLR:
Communication

I have a highly effective

introduction that makes the
listener want to hear more.

Listening,
reading, writing,
speaking and
observing to gain
understanding

Proficient

Approaching

Concern

I have an effective
introduction.

I have an introduction that is

underdeveloped or awkward.

My introduction is
missing, or unrelated to my
topic.

My presentation has an
My presentation has a clear
extremely clear and focused
main idea that clearly relates
main idea and it is explicitly
to science.
stated how the topic relates to
science.

Analyzing,
My supporting details are strong My supporting details are
synthesizing, and and keep the listeners
relevant, but may need to be
evaluating
attention.
stronger.
information
My organization is clear and
helps the listener understand
my presentation.

My presentation has an
I dont have a main idea.
identifiable main idea that may
be slightly unfocused. It is
unclear how the presentation
relates to science.
My supporting details are
I dont have supporting details,
general, or slightly off topic. or the ones that I do have are
confusing.

My organization is easy to
My organization is sometimes
follow, but may be predictable. unclear.

I dont have any

organization, making my
presentation difficult to
follow.

Using a variety
of media to
receive/express
needs, knowledge,
My eye contact is consistent
My eye contact is present but My eye contact is minimal and I read my presentation and
desires and
and I look at all of the listeners. not consistent.
I find myself reading some of never look at the listener.
opinions
my presentation.

My rate, volume, tone, and voice My rate, volume, tone, and

change to make my presentation voice are appropriate. I dont
more interesting to the listener. use fillers.
I dont use fillers.

My rate, volume, tone, and

voice are inconsistent. I use
fillers such as um.

My body language is strong and

helps the listener understand
my presentation

My body language is sometimes My body language is

distracting. I am stiff, have
distracting to the listener.
too much movement, or may be
too casual at times.

My body language is
appropriate and helps the
listener understand my
presentation better.

Created by Hillary Lauder and Sarah Qavi

My rate is too fast or too

slow. I speak in a monotone
that is too soft to hear. I use
many fillers.

Benchmark

Exemplary

Proficient

Approaching

Concern

ESLR: Global
Citizen

I demonstrate an
understanding and sincere
concern for how scientific
issues affect the lives of
others.

I demonstrate an
understanding of how
scientific issues affect the
lives of others.

My understanding of how
scientific issues affect the
lives of others is not
clearly demonstrated.

I cannot demonstrate an
understanding of how
scientific issues affect the
lives of others.

I can evaluate past and

current scientific issues
from a variety of
perspectives with empathy
and thoughtfulness.

I can evaluate past and

current scientific issues
from a variety of
perspectives.

My evaluation of past and

current scientific issues is
limited and does not always
take into account other
perspectives.

I cannot evaluate past and

current scientific issues
from a variety of
perspectives.

I show knowledge and

awareness of how scientific
issues might affect the
future health of human and
biological communities.

I show a partial knowledge

and awareness of how
scientific issues might
affect the future health of
some communities.

I show little evidence

knowledge and awareness
of how scientific issues
might affect the future
health of human and
biological communities.

I demonstrate an
understanding of how my
actions and those of my
immediate community
impact the rest of the
world.

I demonstrate a limited
understanding of how my
actions and those of my
immediate community
impact the rest of the
world.

I cannot demonstrate an
understanding of how my
actions and those of my
immediate community
impact the rest of the
world.

Fostering
compassion for
fellow citizens
Enhancing cultural
understanding and
contributing to the
local community

Developing
awareness and a
I show knowledge and
sense of
responsibility to the awareness of how
scientific issues might
global community
affect the future health
of human and biological
communities. I
independently seek more
information in order to
further my understanding.

Created by Hillary

I demonstrate an
understanding of how my
actions and those of my
immediate community
impact the rest of the
world. I take action in
order toand
create
change
Lauder
Sarah
Qavi
for the greater good of
the global community.

Benchmark

Exemplary

Proficient

Approaching

Concern

Tech & Independent

Learner
Locate, comment,
organize, analyze,
evaluate, synthesize, and
ethically use information
from variety of sources
and media.

The science minute

shows evidence that the
student has selected
appropriate sources,
carefully read and
analyzed information,
and chosen appropriate
information to include.
They have carefully
synthesized information
into a cohesive, original
presentation with all
sources cited
accurately.

The science minute

shows evidence that the
student has selected
appropriate sources,
carefully read and
analyzed information.
For the most part, they
have chosen appropriate
information to include.
They have made a good
effort towards
synthesizing information
into a cohesive, original
presentation. Their
sources are cited
accurately.

The student had some

difficulty selecting
appropriate resources or
they did not understand
the resources they
selected and were
therefore unable to
choose the best
information to use in
their science minute.
Their presentation is
original and they have
acknowledged their
sources.

The student was unable

to locate appropriate
information.

Created by Hillary Lauder and Sarah Qavi

The information that

they present shows
evidence of plagiarism.

Independent Learner Criteria for Grade 8 Science Minutes

A PROFICIENT presentation will include all of the following:

Start class promptly with all equipment turned on and ready to go.
Will be no less than TWO and no more than FIVE minutes long, not including questions.
The presentation will have a visual of some sort (keynote, prezi, handout, projected picture, diagram,
short video clip, etc.).
Will reference all sources (minimum of two) by providing a works cited in MLA format at the end of
the presentation.
It will be obvious that the student is prepared to present and is enthusiastic about their chosen topic.
Turn in a thoughtfully completed rubric (self-assessment) before the end of class.
Upload to Edmodo all documents associated with your presentation by the end of your presentation
day.

My Science Minute is scheduled for ___________________________________________

Created by Hillary Lauder and Sarah Qavi