School
of Education
Last Update:
Aug 12, 2002
Rubric for Science/Technology/Society
"Defend a position regarding a current science controversy" component
of the Science Education Portfolio (SEP)
Based on a 20 point maximum
1.Statement of the specific controversy addressed (0 – 2 points)
2 points: controversy is clearly stated in introductory paragraph
1 point: controversy can be deduced but is not clearly stated or is not in first paragraph
0 points: controversy not clear and not in first paragraph
2. Description of both sides of science controversy (0 – 3 points)
3 points: description is to be complete
2 points: description is incomplete – major portions that might be expected are missing
1 point: description is incomplete or so poorly stated that it’s hard to tell what was learned/understood about the controversy
0 points: completely missing
3. Correctness of knowledge (0 – 3 points)
3 points: scientific knowledge pertaining to controversy is clearly stated and is completely correct
2 points: largely correct but a minor mistake in knowledge is present
1 point: major error in knowledge is present
0 points: completely incorrect
4. Statement (clear) of student’s position on controversy (0 – 2 points)
2 points: student clearly explains/identifies their perspective
1 point: previous knowledge generally stated but either it is unclear as to the extent of the lack of knowledge or, based on the rest of the document, it becomes clear that the complete nature of the controversial issue is not clearly understood/articulated by student
0 points: no expression of personal perspective on controversy
5. Relevant to course (i.e. we don’t want science controversy's unrelated to the course content) (0 – 2 points)
2 points: misconception or lack of knowledge is directly related to a topic covered in course
1 point: misconception is somewhat related to course but not directly covered by course
0 points: no direct connection
6. Quality of writing (0-4 points)
4 points: sentences are complete, grammar is excellent, no spelling errors, organization is clear – in short the piece is well written
3 points: generally well-written but there are a few errors in punctuation/spelling or organization is a bit unclear
2 points: some sentences are incomplete, some spelling errors, organization is muddled
1 point: reader has a general idea what the event was based on other information in document
0 points: description makes no coherent sense, multiple errors in grammar, spelling, etc
7. Minimum length met (0 – 1 points)
1 point: length met
0 points: length not met
8. Format (0 – 3 points)
3 points: document is formatted as an html file with text in 12 point font and is ready to be posted to the SEP
2 points: format is html file but it appears that student has cut and pasted document from elsewhere and not adjusted/reviewed format
1 point: document submitted electronically but not in html format
0 points: document submitted only as hard copy to instructor