Explain: Portraying Humankind and Evaluate: What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Rubric: Portraying Humankind
Criteria / Excellent(A/B) / Could Be Improved
(C/D) / Needs Substantial Improvement (D/F)
Introduction
Introduces the big idea of the project / Student introduces the audience to the “big idea” of the project
Identifies at least 5 physical characteristics and 3 behavioral characteristics that will be discussed in presentation. / Student introduces the audience to the “big idea” of the project
Identifies at least 3 or 4 physical characteristics and 2 behavioral characteristics that will be discussed. / No attempt is made to introduce the topic.
Identifies at least 2 physical characteristics and 1 behavioral characteristic that will be discussed.
Explanation:
Explanation for what it means to be human, including specific evidence to support ideas / Each characteristic given in the introduction is compared to a primate that shows that trait to some degree.
Data from at least 3 laboratory experiences provided to support conclusions
Clearly demonstrates understanding that humans are primates
Clearly explains HOW each characteristic discussed is related to being human / Each characteristic given in the introduction is compared to another animal that shows that trait to some degree.
Data from 1 or 2 laboratory experiences provided to support conclusions
Shows vague understanding of humans as primates
Vaguely or inaccurately explains how each characteristic is related to being human / Identifies ways that humans are similar to or different from other animals, but does not recognize that humans are primates.
No laboratory data provided to support conclusions
Missing key characteristics that were studied in this chapter.
Inaccurately and/or fails to explain how each characteristic is related to being human
Conclusion:
Showing understanding of the big picture in this chapter / Presentation clearly summarizes the scientific understanding of the human animal and what it means to be human in 5-10 sentences.
Discussion of evidence provides some sense of the complexity of trying to characterize what it means to be human. / Presenter vaguely implies that characterizing humans is complex, but does not make the point explicitly.
Presentation summarizes scientific understanding of what it means to be human in 3-4 sentences / Presentation summarizes the presenter’s understanding of the human animal and what it means to be human in 1 or 2 sentences during the presentation.
No attempt made to note that characterizing humans is complex.
Creativity / Presentation is original and creative.
Classmates and teacher are genuinely interested in hearing and seeing this presentation. / Presentation is a standard poster and report presentation.
Poster is basic, and the presentation generally holds the audience’s attention. / Presentation is given with a weak visual aid or no visual aid.
Members of the class find it difficult to stay attentive.