Evolution of Federalism
Activity 3 Scoring Guide: Formative Assessment

Problem Solving: Students will state and attempt to solve a problem of importance in social studies.

  Problem Solving Skills & Processes Content Evidence & Support Communication & Presentation Conceptual Understanding
1. The problem solving strategy is not evident
  • The problem and its context may be unclear.
  • Few, if any, important criteria relevant to the problems solution are identified.
  • Alternative solutions to the problem are not proposed.
  • A solution may be offered, but it is based on inadequate consideration of the criteria.
 Minimal information is provided to support the topic.
  • Information may be irrelevant to the topic.
  • Most information is inaccurate, non-credible, or unveri-fiable.
  • The content and scope of information are inadequate for the topic.
  • Sources of information are not communicated.
 The presentation is not effective.
  • The presentation is not appropriate for the purpose or topic.
  • Ideas are poorly developed and disorganized.
  • Errors in sentence structure, grammar, mechanics, word choice, or usage seriously interfere with the clarity and effectiveness of the communication.
 Minimal conceptual understanding of the topic is demonstrated.
  • Concepts and important ideas pertinent to the topic are seldom or never used.
  • Little or no logic or language appropriate to the topic is evident.
  • Few, if any, examples are used to illustrate the concepts presented.
  • Conclusions, if offered, are largely illogical or inaccurate.
2. The problem solving strategy is somewhat evident but inadequate.
  • The problem and its context are inadequately described.
  • Some important criteria relevant to the problems solution are identified.
  • Alternative solutions to the problem may be proposed, but are not evaluated.
  • A solution will be offered, but it is based on inadequate consideration of the criteria.
 Some information is provided to support the topic, but it is inadequate.
  • Some information relevant to the task is employed.
  • Some information is inaccurate, non-credible, or unverifiable.
  • The content and scope of information are somewhat inadequate for the purpose.
  • Sources of information may be inadequately communicated.
 The presentation is somewhat effective.
  • The presentation is somewhat appropriate for the purpose and topic.
  • Ideas are partially developed but somewhat disorganized.
  • Errors in sentence structure, grammar, mechanics, word choice, or usage may sometimes interfere with the clarity and effectiveness of the communication.
 Some conceptual understanding of the topic is demonstrated.
  • Some concepts and important ideas pertinent to the topic are used.
  • Some use of logic and language appropriate to the topic is evident.
  • Some examples are used to illustrate the concepts presented.
  • Conclusions may be somewhat illogical or inaccurate.
3. The problem solving strategy is evident and appropriate.
  • The problem is stated and its context is described.
  • Important criteria relevant to the problems solution are identified.
  • Alternative solutions to the problem are proposed and evaluated.
  • A reasonable solution consistent with the criteria is offered.
 Adequate information is provided to support the topic.
  • Information relevant to the topic is provided.
  • Although minor inaccuracies may be present, most information is accurate, credible, and verifiable.
  • The content and scope of information are adequate for the topic.
  • Most sources of information are adequately communicated.
 The presentation is effective.
  • The presentation is appropriate for the purpose and topic.
  • Ideas are adequately developed and generally well organized.
  • Errors in sentence structure, grammar, mechanics, word choice, or usage seldom interfere with the clarity and effectiveness of the communication.
 Adequate conceptual understanding of the topic is demonstrated.
  • Concepts and important ideas pertinent to the topic are accurately used.
  • Logic and language appropriate to the topic are evident.
  • Examples are used to adequately illustrate the concepts presented.
  • Conclusions are generally logical and accurate.
4. The problem solving strategy is clearly evident and very effective.
  • The problem is clearly defined and its context well described.
  • Important criteria relevant to the problems solution are clearly identi-fied and evaluated.
  • Alternative solutions to the problem are proposed and thoroughly evaluated.
  • A reasonable solution consistent with the criteria is offered.
 Information to support the topic is carefully selected and skillfully utilized.
  • Information highly relevant to the topic is provided.
  • Information is detailed, accurate, credible, and verifiable.
  • The content and scope of information fully support the topic.
  • Sources of information are fully and clearly communicated.
 The presentation is highly effective.
  • The presentation is highly appropriate for the purpose and topic.
  • Ideas are thoroughly developed and well organized.
  • Sentence structure, grammar, mechanics, word choice, and usage enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the communication.
 Superior conceptual understanding of the topic is demonstrated.
  • Concepts and important ideas pertinent to the topic are skillfully applied.
  • Logic and language appropriate to the topic are present throughout.
  • Examples used enhance understanding of the concepts presented.
  • Conclusions are logical and accurate, and may be insightful.