Rocks & Minerals Evaluation Rubric

Dig It! - Exploring Rocks and Minerals

Assignment 5 Points
(Ranger Status)
4 Points
(Apprentice)
3 Points
(Laborer)
1-2 Points
(Novice)
Rocks & Minerals Passport Stamp 1: Rock Cycle Organizer (Dig It Task 4) Meets all 4-point criteria, AND analyzes the rock cycle by explaining in your own words exactly how one specific rock type transforms into another over time. Detailed explanation of the rock cycle with at least 3 examples of each of the 3 types of rock (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic). Explanation of the rock cycle is lacking details. Provides only 2 examples of each of the 3 types of rock. Minimum details in explanation of rock cycle, provides 1 or 0 examples of each of the 3 types of rock, or the assignment is incomplete.
Rocks & Minerals Passport Stamp 2: Mineral Profile (Dig It Tasks 8 & 9) Meets all 4-point criteria, AND uses problem-solving to evaluate your test results. Explain how your mineral's specific properties (like its hardness or luster) make it useful for a real-world tool or job. 4 accurately illustrated results to tests on the profile sheet. Includes a colored illustration and a paragraph describing the mineral with 3-5 facts from the profile sheet. 3 accurately illustrated results to tests on the profile sheet. Paragraph includes some facts but lacks detail or the illustration is incomplete. 1 to 2 tests accurately illustrated on the profile sheet. Contains inaccurate information, shows little attention to detail, or is an incomplete assignment.
Rocks & Minerals Passport Stamp 3: Rock Person Autobiography (Dig It Tasks 10 & 11) Meets all 4-point criteria, AND uses creative thinking to synthesize an original story. Your rock's personality and hobbies must directly connect to the real scientific facts of how it formed. (Bonus: Your rock is from the Saugus Iron Works!) 2-3 well-written paragraphs in the first person. Includes accurate scientific detail about the rock's formation and a creative biographical story. Includes a 3-D rock person with added features. 1-2 paragraphs with adequate scientific information and a basic biography. 3-D rock person is included but lacks detail. 1 paragraph minimum, containing only some scientific information and some biography. Inaccurate information and little attention to detail.