Another form of assessment is a rubric. According to Edutopia, rubrics are multidimensional sets of scoring guidelines that can be used to provide consistency in evaluating student work. They spell out scoring criteria so that multiple teachers, using the same rubric for a student’s essay, for example, would arrive at the same score or grade. Rubrics are used from the initiation to the completion of a student project. They provide a measurement system for specific tasks and are tailored to each project, so as the projects become more complex, so do the rubrics.
Below, you will watch a video on project-based learning. This type of learning greatly contrasts the traditional teacher-led, taking-tests classroom setup. Project-based learning provides students with the freedom to drive their own instruction. Students tap into many skills, such as higher-order thinking skills, creativity, and communication, to name a few. How do you grade this type of learning, as the traditional assessment may not align with the project?
For this reason, rubrics are used. Teachers provide the rubric to the students ahead of time, explaining the expectations. Students are scored based on how they meet those expectations.
For this assignment, you will select a project-based learning activity. I have shared several activities; however, depending on the grade level and what you desire, you may research your own. Then, you will create a rubric and assess one of the project-based learning activities. Please be aware that your canvas platform allows you to make tables if you prefer to design your rubric that way.
Project-based Learning Activities
Shrinking potato chip bags in the microwave. https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiment-library/?exp=shrinking-chip-bags (Links to an external site.) Students can learn about polymers through hands-on activities using some of their favorite products, like shoes and sporting equipment. As a culminating activity, they can put a wrapper from their favorite chips or candy bar into the microwave for five seconds to learn about how polymers return to their natural state when exposed to the heat.
Design an app. Students love using the newest apps and games, so take it to the next level by having them design their own! With Apple developer tools https://developer.apple.com/education/ (Links to an external site.) kids can learn how to create an app or online game. They can learn about technology and problem-solving skills while engaged in what they love.
Student farm. (Links to an external site.)Students will learn science, social studies, math, and economics lessons by planting their own organic farm. They can begin by researching the crops they want, figure out what kind of care is needed, and then use a budget to determine what materials they must purchase. They can even sell food from their farm to contribute to a cause or fundraiser.
Geocaching. https://www.geocaching.com/blog/2011/08/geocaching-finds-its-way-to-the-classroom/ (Links to an external site.) If you’re not able to take your students off-campus to engage in some real-life “geocaching,” you can always create your own geocaching treasure hunt for them. It can incorporate all kinds of skills and knowledge: geography, math, and even essay writing.
Research project: negativity in the media. https://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/selfimage1/ (Links to an external site.) Begin with a discussion about what “media” is, and bring in examples. Talk about what each kind of media (newspapers, music, news sites, etc.) is used for. Move on to examples of the messages conveyed by certain types of media, and how this message is articulated. Then assign groups to create their own “media” (a website, a newspaper article, a commercial, etc.). Have each group work on generating a message (positive vs. negative).
Write to your Congressman. (Links to an external site.) Ask groups of students to identify problems in their community. They must then do research to come up with information about this problem and come up with an “action plan.” Assign students to write to their government representatives with their facts and their action plan.
Bridge building. (Links to an external site.) Students begin by studying the engineering of bridge building, comparing the construction of famous bridges such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Tower Bridge in London. Then they work in teams to construct bridges out of Popsicle sticks. The challenge is to get their bridge to hold five pounds (for younger students) or twenty pounds (for more advanced students).
https://www.thoughtco.com/rubric-template-2081369
