8Th Grade Science Fall Project Rubric

8 th Grade Science Fall Project Rubric

September 30, 2016

Students need to create a model using a variety of fall leaves to showcase the effects of photosynthesis on different types of trees. Any combination of trees may be chosen, as long as there are at least 4 different kinds. Models may be physical, conceptual, or mathematical in nature. *Bear in mind that regardless of the type of model chosen, samples of leaves must be provided or referenced.

Example: Physical Model – 1 maple leaf 1 birch leaf 1 elm leaf 1`oak leaf

Example: Conceptual Model – Images of changes experienced in autumn by: 1 maple leaf 1 birch leaf 1 elm leaf 1` oak leaf

Example: Mathematical Model – Scaling the effects of photosynthesis in autumn on: 1 maple leaf 1 birch leaf 1 elm leaf 1` oak leaf 1. Leaf type must be accurately represented (correct tree type).

2. All leaves chosen must begin as green.

3. An explanation must be provided as to:

a. Why the leaf changes color in autumn

b. Why each leaf changes to its particular color in autumn (Birch leaves turn yellow – why?) Explanations must be accurate.

4. Project must be presented in class. Students should be able to answer questions about their project and why their specific model type (physical, conceptual, or mathematical) was chosen.

5. References should be cited (Where did you get your information (including images))?

6. Project must be turned in by the due date (October 27, 2016). 5 points will be deducted for every school day the project is late.

Grade Scale:

 6 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project = A+

 5 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project = A

 4 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project = B – B+

 3 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project = C – C+

 2 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project = D+

 1 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project = D

 0 of 6 items listed above are incorporated into the final project or project is not completed = F