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Civil War Battles Research Project Rubrics Teacher Resource

Resource Overview

The rubrics on this page can be used to evaluate student products for the Civil War Battles Research Project. A rubric is provided for the Travel Brochure and Academic Poster options.

The evaluation criteria is listed in the center along with examples of successful product attributes. These examples should not be used as a checklist for grading and are not an exhaustive list of possible success criteria.

Two columns are provided to write free-form comments for student reflection. The column on the left is for positive comments from the evaluator. The right column is for suggestions for an improved product. All students should receive some celebration of their product and suggestions for growth.

Student goal setting and reflection prompts are also provided so that students can turn their evaluation into actionable steps for future projects.

Academic Poster Rubric

Positive Feedback on Student Product Evaluation Criteria and Examples of Successful Product Attributes Suggestions for an Improved Product

Content & Research

Historical Accuracy: All information presented is historically accurate and demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen battle.

Research Methods: The methods section clearly and concisely describes where and how research was conducted, including mention of credible sources.

Abstract Quality: The abstract summarizes the research concisely, provides an overview of the battle, and sets the context for the poster.

Discussion Significance: The discussion section provides a thoughtful analysis of the battle’s significance, either to the Civil War or the local community, with well-supported reasoning.

Acknowledgments: All contributors and sources are clearly credited in the acknowledgments section, following proper citation standards.

Visual and Design Elements

Title & Author Clarity: The title and author section is prominently placed, large, and legible from a distance.

Central Visual Impact: The central area features engaging and relevant visuals (e.g., illustrations, graphs, charts, or artifacts) that enhance understanding of the battle.

Design Cohesion: Text, visuals, and layout are well-balanced and visually appealing, avoiding clutter or excessive blank spaces.

Use of Primary Sources: The poster integrates relevant primary sources (e.g., documents, photographs) effectively to support the research.

Communication & Presentation

Conciseness: Text is concise yet informative, avoiding unnecessary repetition or overly lengthy descriptions.

Clarity: All text is easy to read, and technical terms or complex ideas are explained clearly.

Engagement: The poster effectively captures the audience’s attention through its design and content.

Professionalism & Mechanics

Grammar & Spelling: The poster is free of grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

Neatness: The poster is neat, well-organized, and demonstrates careful attention to detail.

Adherence to Guidelines: The poster follows all size and section requirements outlined in the instructions.

Reflection Prompts:

  1. What part of your project received the most positive feedback? Why do you think this aspect stands out?
  2. What part of your project could be improved based on that feedback? How could you approach this differently in the future?
  3. Did the feedback suggest your understanding of the historical content was strong? If not, what steps can you take to deepen your research or knowledge?

 

Goal Setting:

  1. Based on the feedback, do you feel you allocated your time and effort effectively? What adjustments might help you manage your next project more efficiently?
  2. What is one specific, actionable goal you can set to improve your next project based on the feedback you received?

 

Travel Brochure Rubric

Positive Feedback on Student Product Success Criteria Suggestions for an Improved Product

Content & Research

Historical Accuracy: All historical information is accurate, well-researched, and provides meaningful insight into the battle and its significance.

Engaging Summary: The highlighted section provides a compelling overview that sparks interest in the battle and encourages further exploration.

Comprehensive Coverage: The three internal pages present a balanced and thorough account of the battle and its site, including key events, figures, and significance.

Visitor Information: The travel information section includes clear, practical details on how to visit the battle site, including location, contact information, and any relevant tips.

Effective Use of Sources: Research is drawn from credible sources and cited appropriately.

Visual and Design Elements

Eye-Catching Cover: The title and author section (front page) features attractive, quality artwork that represents the battle and grabs attention.

Visual Appeal: The overall design is aesthetically pleasing, with appropriate use of color, images, and layout to enhance understanding and engagement.

Maps and Key Figures: Maps and illustrations of key figures are included where appropriate and help to clarify and enrich the content.

Cohesive Design: The brochure has a unified style, with consistent fonts, colors, and spacing that contribute to a polished look.

Communication & Presentation

Clarity and Organization: All sections are clearly labeled and well-organized, making it easy for readers to follow and find information.

Conciseness: Information is presented succinctly, with no unnecessary repetition or overly lengthy passages.

Audience Appeal: The brochure is engaging and speaks to a general audience, effectively blending educational and travel-focused elements.

Professionalism & Mechanics

Grammar & Spelling: The brochure is free of grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

Neatness: The finished product is clean, professional, and carefully assembled, whether created digitally or by hand.

Adherence to Guidelines: The brochure follows the size and format instructions, with all required sections included.

Reflection Prompts:

  1. What part of your project received the most positive feedback? Why do you think this aspect stood out?
  2. What part of your project could be improved based on that feedback? How could you approach this differently in the future?
  3. Did the feedback suggest that your understanding of the historical content was strong? If not, what steps can you take to deepen your research or knowledge?

 

Goal Setting:

  1. Based on the feedback, do you feel you allocated your time and effort effectively? What adjustments might help you manage your next project more efficiently?
  2. What is one specific, actionable goal you can set to improve your next project based on the feedback you received?

 


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