Formal Assessment Ideas
Be an Explorer paper
Have students learn more about a local Native American culture either through a trip to a local museum or through Internet research. Ask students to mirror a Scholastic Explorer expedition by writing a mission, a description of the field site, and several field reports. Students should use their imaginations to imagine they are archaeologists on a real-life expedition. See Be an Explorer Writing Rubric below.
Research Paper
Have students write a research paper on the culture and the
change of culture of Native Americans. Depending on the maturity
of the students and the amount of time available, have students
write about one of the expeditions or compare two or more of the
expeditions. Students can also look at one of the cultures and
research the change of that culture over time. Students should
follow the step-by-step process of the Writing Workshop:
Writing a Research Paper where they will be guided on the
steps of writing a research paper. Students can also use the Research
Starter on Anasazi
and Pueblo Indians to get the background on their chosen topic.
See Research Writing Rubric below for help on assessing student
papers.
Informal Assessment Ideas:
Self Evaluations
After students present their information, have students read
the �Evaluation section� of the �Be an Explorer� section. Ask
them to write a self-evaluation. Students should ask themselves
questions such as:
- Did my research answer my original question?
- Were my facts organized?
- Was my presentation in the best format?
- Did I present my information in a clear and cogent manner?
- What did I like best about my presentation?
- What could I have done better?
Meet with students to discuss their self-evaluations.
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Writing Rubric
Use the writing rubric as a way to assess your students� writing
skills. This rubric can also serve as a model for a modified version
that might include your state�s writing standards.
Open
Be an Explorer Writing Rubric
Open
Research Paper Writing Rubric
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