These assessments were created to use in student portfolios.  The rubric below may be used to grade their work.
 

Chapter 1: Writing an explanation

Goal:  Students will write a paragraph explaining why Illinois has the climate it does by using the three factors that affect climate.

Chapter 2: Illustration of a tree

Goal:  Students will create a tree illustrating the 3 branches of government, officials of the branch, and the jobs that each branch performs.

Chapter 3: Create a brochure

Students will create a brochure that advertises the crops grown in the southeast due to the long growing season.  The brochure should include an explanation of a long growing season and its benefits.

Chapter 4:  Create a table

Students will compare and contrast the benefits and problems of slavery and make a conclusion stating why slavery was abolished.

Chapter 5:  Create a poster

Students illustrate a poster promoting aquaculture in the northeast region.  The poster should include information on how each animal is caught.

Chapter 6:  Create a Venn Diagram

Students create a venn diagram comparing and contrasting the Iroquois Confederacy of 1570 to the present day Confederacy.

Chapter 7:  Create a Map

Students create a map of the MidWest showing the Central and Great Plains, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes,  and each state and its capital.
 

Chapter 8: Writing a Journal Entry

Students describe traveling westward by Conestoga wagon in journal form.  They should include at least three entries that include observations, activities, and the difficulties they faced.

Chapter 9: Poem of the Grand Canyon

Students write a poem of the Grand Canyon that describes how it was formed. It must include the concept of erosion.
 
 

Chapter 10:  A Letter about life on a Ranch

Students write a letter to a friend describing life on a ranch in a certain time period.  Students must include the date of letter written and use correct letter format.
 

Chapter 11: Cause and Effect relationship

Students explain the effect that machines have had on the central valley farmers and the workers used to farm the land.
 

Chapter 12: Make an Outline

Students create an outline for lesson 2 showing all the major points listed in the chapter.
 
 
 
 

Exellent Work- student illustrates knowledge of concept by fulfilling all requirements listed in the goal.  4

Good Work- Student shows a good understanding of the concept by fulfilling almost all of the goal 3

Fair- student shows some knowledge of subject but work is not complete 2

Needs Improvement- student shows little to no signs of understanding concept- incomplete work 1