RUBRIC FOR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

INTRODUCTION During the early days of our history, science was controlled by superstition and prejudice. Many events were explained by guesswork and magic. An example is the belief that mud in ponds turned into eels, fish, and frogs. It has taken science several centuries to overcome this kind of thinking. Today, our world is a very dynamic place to live. The know;ledge we have is increasing daily. In just the past year, we have developed cloning of different animals, genetically engineered vaccines, and made gigantic steps in the human genome project. it is important that we know and understand how our world is changing. These new developments greatly affect our lives and how we live. Those who are informed, will be able to take advantage of these new developments.

PURPOSE The purpose of this portfolio is summarized in the following statements:
1. Ignorance creates misconceptions and distorted ideas.
2. Organizational skills are crucial to our lives.
3. The mind needs to be exercised in order to stay alert to the world around us.

TASK Each student is to find an article that focuses on current events in the area of biological sciences. These articles must be out of newspapers within the past six (6) months to avoid dated information. Once the student has located the necessary number of articles, then they should read each article and summarize the article in six to eight lines. The summaries should be typed. These articles and the summaries should be glued into a current events portfolio.

GRADING This portfolio will be recorded as a test score. The student will do one portfolio each quarter. It is recommended that the student locate articles early and summarize them as they are found.

GRADING
A = 25 articles or more
B = 24 - 20 articles
C = 19 - 15 articles
D = 14 - 10 articles

Each article must have a summary showing an honest attempt at understanding and explaining each element covered in the article. Each summary that does not satisfy these requirements will results in the subtraction of one point.

The organization of this portfolio will be evaluated by the following criteria:
1. Table of contents
2. Page numbers
3. Neatness
4. Above and beyond for creativity. All four parts are to be included in the portfolio.
For each part that is not included, the student will have the overall grade reduced by
one letter grade.