Essay Rubric

PHY 312 -- Teaching Physics from the Historical Perspective
Illinois State University Physics Department
Physics Teacher Education Program
Carl J. Wenning, Program Coordinator

Course Objectives Assessed:

(5a) The student will describe and explain the historical development of a model (e.g., solar system, atom, heat, light, gravitation, etc.) that shows the tentative nature of science and the evolution of scientific thought in a social context, explain how empirical approaches were used to determine the relative correctness of those models, and relate the role of applied science and technology to advancing scientific frontiers.
(5b) The student will explain how pure and applied science and technology influence modern society.
(5c) The student will cite and explain a significant scientific contribution of at least one non-traditional physicist (e.g., non-white, non-male, and/or non-western).

Detailed Criteria:

Each essay must satisfy the following specific criteria:

Excellent (4 pts)

Good (3 points)

Fair (2 points)

Poor/Unaccept (1-0 pt)

Score

Format Paper is typed double space, using a 12-point Times font or similar Paper typed, but not double spaced; uses inappropriate font. Paper handwritten, but quite legible. Paper handwritten, but difficult to read.

Length 3-4 pages in length exclusive of cover page and references. 3-4 pages in length exclusive of cover page. Entire paper 3-4 pages in length, including cover page and references. Entire paper between 2-3 pages in length exclusive of cover page and references.

Grammar Author makes consist use of appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling throughout essay. Author has 2-5 errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Author has 6-10 errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Author has more than 10 errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Presentation Well organized and easy to read. Fair organization, but doesn't "flow" as well as it should. Can be followed only with some degree of difficulty. Confusing presentation that can be followed only with great difficulty.

Reflection Shows strong evidence of reasoned reflection; provides solid argument- ation for claims; work clearly that of the author. Some evidence of reasoned reflection; some thoughts expressed those of another author. Little evidence of reasoned reflection; clearly mimicking thoughts of other authors. No evidence of reasoned reflection; statements made without supporting evidence; thought only of others.

Accuracy No errors in historical or scientific fact; no flaws in logic. Very few and only minor errors in historical or scientific fact, minor lapses in logic. One major and only a few minor errors in historical or scientific fact; clear lapses of logic. Several majors errors in historical or scientific fact; clear and repeated lapses of logic.

References Contains not less than three references presented using APA or other standard format. Contains not less than three references, but not presented using APA or other standard format. Contains only two references, but presented using APA or other standard format. Contains two or fewer references, but not presented using APA or other standard format.

Submission Submitted on time during class indicated. Submitted after class indicated, but not more than one class period late. Turned in two class periods late. Turned in three or more class periods late.

Completeness Clearly addresses well all elements contained within the stated objective. Addresses well most of the elements contained within the stated objective. Addresses poorly any one of the elements contained within the stated objective. Addresses poorly all of the elements contained within the stated objective; complete misses one or more objectives.

Copyright 2000 Illinois State University Physics Teacher Education Program
TOTAL:

Return to PHY 312 Syllabus

Return to PHY 312 Student Tasks/Assignments

	Excellent (4 pts)	Good (3 points)	Fair (2 points)	Poor/Unaccept (1-0 pt)	Score
Format	Paper is typed double space, using a 12-point Times font or similar	Paper typed, but not double spaced; uses inappropriate font.	Paper handwritten, but quite legible.	Paper handwritten, but difficult to read.
Length	3-4 pages in length exclusive of cover page and references.	3-4 pages in length exclusive of cover page.	Entire paper 3-4 pages in length, including cover page and references.	Entire paper between 2-3 pages in length exclusive of cover page and references.
Grammar	Author makes consist use of appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling throughout essay.	Author has 2-5 errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.	Author has 6-10 errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.	Author has more than 10 errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Presentation	Well organized and easy to read.	Fair organization, but doesn't "flow" as well as it should.	Can be followed only with some degree of difficulty.	Confusing presentation that can be followed only with great difficulty.
Reflection	Shows strong evidence of reasoned reflection; provides solid argument- ation for claims; work clearly that of the author.	Some evidence of reasoned reflection; some thoughts expressed those of another author.	Little evidence of reasoned reflection; clearly mimicking thoughts of other authors.	No evidence of reasoned reflection; statements made without supporting evidence; thought only of others.
Accuracy	No errors in historical or scientific fact; no flaws in logic.	Very few and only minor errors in historical or scientific fact, minor lapses in logic.	One major and only a few minor errors in historical or scientific fact; clear lapses of logic.	Several majors errors in historical or scientific fact; clear and repeated lapses of logic.
References	Contains not less than three references presented using APA or other standard format.	Contains not less than three references, but not presented using APA or other standard format.	Contains only two references, but presented using APA or other standard format.	Contains two or fewer references, but not presented using APA or other standard format.
Submission	Submitted on time during class indicated.	Submitted after class indicated, but not more than one class period late.	Turned in two class periods late.	Turned in three or more class periods late.
Completeness	Clearly addresses well all elements contained within the stated objective.	Addresses well most of the elements contained within the stated objective.	Addresses poorly any one of the elements contained within the stated objective.	Addresses poorly all of the elements contained within the stated objective; complete misses one or more objectives.
Copyright 2000 Illinois State University Physics Teacher Education Program				TOTAL: