Almost ready to share and assess

When I see the pile of unfinished posters on top of the cupboard, I get a bit nervous. We have discussed what our Energy project posters should look like, we created criteria, the students have been working on their projects for two weeks, yet I worry. Have they challenged themselves with inquiry? Is their growth in their learning and understanding? Are they pushing themselves to create quality presentations?
Then I pause and take a deep breath. I remind myself that I am working with third graders, that inquiry and independent work can be challenging at all ages, and mistakes and failure are also part of learning.
I hope for the best and promise to look for the positive in what they will share with me on Monday.

Here is the criteria (based on student input) for the projects:

Name:

Date:

Project:

Grade
1	The work does not meet the basic requirements
2	The work product achieves some of the requirements set for the task
3	The work product achieves many of the requirements set for the task
4	The work product achieves all of the requirements set for the task
5	The work goes beyond the requirements

Criteria

The project:

1.   Is interesting – has a hook

·       Makes people react

·       Gives information

·       Has many details

·       Is strong

2.    Has accurate facts/information

·       You can show where you got your information

·       You are able to explain when somebody asks you to elaborate

3.   Is clear and understandable:

·       The work makes sense

·       The work is in order

·       Child friendly text

·       Spelling is correct

·       Important info (title etc) is more noticeable

·       Sentences and pictures are related to the topic

4.    Is neat and clean (if on paper)

·       Proper handwriting or typed text

·       Colouring within the lines

·       All edges glued down

·       No stains or smears

5.   Is completed on time

6. Shows effort