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Graph and data rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This graph and data rubric scores a graph a student makes from data: a title, labeled axes, a sensible scale, accurate plotting, and a sentence about what the data shows. Grades 6–8 also score choosing the right kind of graph and describing spread or trend. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with accurate plotting counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Graph and data rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My titleMy title tells just what my graph is about.My graph has a title.My graph does not have a title yet.
My labelsI label every group and the numbers.I label some parts.I do not have labels yet.
Count and fillEvery bar or picture shows the right number.Most bars or pictures show the right number.Many bars or pictures show the wrong number.
What I noticeI tell which has the most and the least.I tell one thing my graph shows.I cannot tell what my graph shows yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can give my graph a title.
  • I can label the parts of my graph.
  • I can show the right number for each group.
  • I can tell what my graph shows.

Grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Graph and data rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
TitleTitle names exactly what the data shows, including the group and when it was collected.Title tells what the data is about.Title is vague, such as only the word Graph.The graph has no title./ 4
Labeled axesBoth axes are labeled with names and units, and categories are neatly marked.Both axes are labeled.One axis is labeled or labels are unclear.Axes are not labeled./ 4
ScaleScale uses equal steps, starts at zero, and fits the data so the graph fills the space.Scale uses equal steps and fits the data.Scale has uneven steps or does not fit some data.No scale, or numbers are placed at random./ 4
Accurate plottingcounts ×2Every bar or point matches the data exactly and is drawn neatly.Almost all bars or points match the data.Several bars or points do not match the data.Most of the data is plotted wrong or missing./ 8
What the data showsWrites two or more sentences comparing groups with numbers, such as most, least and how many more.Writes a sentence that tells what the data shows.Writes a sentence that only repeats one number.No sentence about the data./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can write a title that tells what the data is about.
  • I can label both axes with names and units.
  • I can choose a scale with equal steps that fits my data.
  • I can plot every data point correctly.
  • I can write a sentence about what the data shows.

Grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Graph and data rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Choosing the graphChooses the best graph type for the data, such as line for change over time, and explains the choice.Chooses a graph type that fits the data.Graph type works poorly for the data.Graph type does not fit the data./ 4
Title and labelsPrecise title, both axes labeled with units, and a key or source where needed.Title and both axes labeled with units.Title or labels are vague or missing units.Title or labels are missing./ 4
ScaleScale has even intervals that suit the range and does not exaggerate or hide differences.Scale has even intervals that fit the data.Intervals are uneven or the scale distorts the data.No usable scale./ 4
Accurate plottingcounts ×2All data plotted exactly, neatly and readably, with no points left out.Data plotted accurately with minor slips.Several points or bars are misplotted.Most data is misplotted or missing./ 8
Spread and trendDescribes the trend or spread with numbers, such as range or rate of change, and notes outliers.Describes the main trend or spread with a number.Describes the data without numbers or misreads the trend.Does not describe the data./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can choose the kind of graph that fits my data and explain why.
  • I can title and label my graph so it stands on its own.
  • I can choose a scale and intervals that show the data honestly.
  • I can plot all data accurately and neatly.
  • I can describe the spread or trend in the data and back it with numbers.

When to use it

  • Class surveys, science data, weather tracking and any bar, line or picture graph.
  • Graph assignments inside a science experiment or a math unit on data.
  • As a checklist taped beside the graph paper before students start.

What to say to students

  • Give your graph a title that tells what the data is about.
  • Label both sides of the graph so a reader knows what they show.
  • Count by the same amount on your scale every time.
  • Finish with a sentence that tells what you notice in the data.

Related

The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.