Inquiry Lesson Grading Rubric

PHY 311 -- Teaching High School Physics
Illinois State University Physics Department
Physics Teacher Education Program
Carl J. Wenning, Program Coordinator

 

Standard

Excellent (4 points)

Good (3 points)

Fair (2 points)

Poor /Unacc (1-0 )

 Score

 A. Learners' attention is focused on a question of scientific significance. Learners are introduced to significant and relevant question at beginning of period with the use of a demonstration. Learners are introduced to a hypothetical question of significant relevance at beginning of period. Learners are introduced to a scientific question of limited significance, or question is introduced only as an afterthought. Learners's attention never focused on any sort of meaningful or relevant scientific question.  
B. Learner observes demonstration or participates in lab-oriented activity of significance as part of induction process. Learner engaged in historically important activity in such a way that need for an explanation is clearly evident. Learner engaged in relevant activity in such a way that need for an explanation is clearly evident. Learner poorly engaged in relevant activity in such a way that need for an explanation is clearly evident. Learner poorly engaged in activity or activity of no historical significance or relevance.  
 C. Learner engages in discussion relating to scientific aspects of lesson. Learner fully engaged in science lesson though the use of interesting and thought-provoking historical narrative. Learner somewhat engaged in science lesson through the use of historical narrative. Learner merely hears a presentation of historical information; little to no application to the engaged learning of science. Lesson taught with little to no meaningful inclusion of relevant historical aspects.  
 D. Learner engages in scientifically oriented questions. Learner poses a question for scientific study. Learner selects among questions, poses new questions. Learner sharpens or clarifies question provided by teacher, materials, or other source. Learner engages in question provided by teacher, materials, or other source.  

E.

Learner gives priority to evidence in responding to questions. Learner determines what constitutes evidence and collects it. Learner directed to
collect certain data.
Learner given data and asked to analyze. Learner given data and told how to analyze.  

 F.

Learner formulates an explanation from empirical evidence and other sources of knowledge. Learner formulates explanation after summarizing evidence. Learner guided in process of formulating explanations from evidence. Learner given possible ways to use evidence to formulate explanation. Learner provided with evidence.  

 G.

Learner makes a connection between proposed explanation and established scientific knowledge. Learner independently examines other resources and forms the links to explanations. Learner given leads toward areas and sources of scientific knowledge. Learner directed toward
areas and sources of scientific knowledge.
Learner given possible
connections.
 

 H.

Learner communicates and justifies proposed explanations based on empirical evidence. Learner forms reasonable and logical argument to communicate explanations. Learner coached in development of communication. Learner provided broad guidelines to use to sharpen communication. Learner given steps and procedures for communication.  
Degree of Inquiry

More --------------------------- Amount of Learner Self-Direction --------------------------- Less
Less -------------------- Amount of Direction from Teacher or Material -------------------- More

 

Adapted from Essential Features of Classroom Inquiry (Table 2.6 of Inquiry & NSES.) See Chapter 2 of Inquiry & NSES for complete details.)

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