Criteria Points
Possible
20
(10)
11-19
(6-9)
6-10
(3-5)
0-5
(0-2)
Points
Earned
Ideas & Content
 Subject matter
 Characteristics
20 maps each
element requested;
clearly and
comprehensively
designs the key to
identify all
characteristics. Chart is
full of appropriate and
interesting content
that gives a full picture.
Understands the
main elements of the
map, but includes
fewer elements
requested. Key is
limited, and
organizational chart
has fewer categories
that cover the
minimum requested.
Has a basic map of
colonies with
minimal
characteristics. Key is
limited, but still
functional. Chart is
limited.
Poorly chosen
markers, with
confusing details and
characteristics. Chart
is lacking in a
majority of details.
Organization
 Mapping
elements
 Key
 Chart
20 Strong organization;
graphed
characteristics and
thorough
understanding of the
project elements.
Organization is
appropriate but lacks
consistency. Map is
functional, and key is
clear, if limited. Chart
includes good
content, perhaps not
as well-organized.
Attempts at
organization, limited
use of visual cues on
map, and poorly
organized key. Chart
is somewhat useful,
though lacking in
structure.
Lacks color and other
elements that would
otherwise, make a
map readable. Key
and chart are
extremely limited
and jumbled.
Visual Choice
 Precision
 Effectiveness
 Imagery
10 Broad range of
mapped elements that
demonstrate a rich
visual topographical
and geographical
picture. Creative
examples on key well-integrated into a map.
Map has some
topographical and
other imagery (e.g.,
waves indicating
water, hills indicating
mountains) but
minimal use. Key is
functional, if not very
imaginative.
Categories maybe
correct, but visual
depictions are
limited and
unimaginative. Key is
minimally helpful in
deciphering map.
A map is bland with
few visual indicators
to demonstrate the
elements for the key.
Visual elements from
key is confusing
and poorly drawn.
Sentence Fluency
 Rhythm, flow
 Variety
10 Has easy flow and
rhythm; good variety
in length and
structure.
Sentences are
appropriate, but lack
variety and length.
Has awkward
phrasing and
structure, similar
patterns, and choppy
language.
Sentences are
incomplete or
difficult to follow.
Language is
confusing.
Conventions
 Age-appropriate
spelling, caps,
punctuation,
grammar
20 Strong use of correct
conventions; errors
are few and minor.
Most writing
conventions correct;
occasional high-profile errors.
Frequent errors;
most do not interfere
with readability.
Frequent errors
interfere with
readability.
Ability to transfer
map information into
chart form
20 Uses the chart to
organize the
information clearly
and comprehensively
and transfer to the
map.
Transfers most of the
important
information from the
the chart to the map
clearly.
The chart and map
overlap in some
areas, but the map
has a good deal of
information not on
the chart. The map is
lacking in a majority
of important details.
The Map and chart
are incompatible,
with little detail
used