Skip to the content
Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

Map project rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This map project rubric scores the title, the key or legend, the compass rose, labels, accuracy and neatness, with a map scale added in grades 6–8. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with accuracy counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words, with no points. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

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

Grades K–2

3 levels, 5 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Map project rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My titleMy map has a title that tells what place it shows.My map has a title.My map has no title.
My keyMy key shows what every picture on my map means.My key shows what some pictures mean.My map has no key.
Which wayMy compass rose has N, S, E and W in the right spots.My compass rose has some letters.My map has no compass rose.
LabelsI wrote names on all the main places.I wrote names on some places.I did not write names on my places.
Neat workMy map is neat, with colors that help.My map is mostly neat.My map is messy and hard to read.
Open in the maker
  • I can give my map a title.
  • I can make a key that shows what my pictures mean.
  • I can draw a compass rose with N, S, E and W.
  • I can write names on the places on my map.
  • I can make my map neat and colorful.

Grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Map project rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Title and keyA clear title and a key that explains every symbol and color used on the map.A title and a key that explains most symbols.The title or key is missing, or the key explains few symbols.No title and no key./ 4
Compass roseShows all eight directions, placed correctly and matching the map.Shows the four main directions correctly.Directions are incomplete or point the wrong way.No compass rose./ 4
LabelsAll required places are labeled, spelled correctly and easy to read.Most required places are labeled and spelled correctly.Several places are missing labels or misspelled.Few or no labels./ 4
Accuracycounts ×2Every feature is in the right place, with shapes and sizes that match a real map.Most features are in the right place.Several features are misplaced or missing.Most features are misplaced./ 8
NeatnessClean lines, careful coloring and no smudges; easy to read at a glance.Neat overall and readable.Some messy areas make parts hard to read.Messy and hard to read./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can make a title and a key that explains every symbol.
  • I can add a compass rose that shows the directions correctly.
  • I can label places clearly with correct spelling.
  • I can place features where they really belong.
  • I can make a neat map that is easy to read.

Grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Map project rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Title, key and compassA specific title, a legend for every symbol and color, and an accurate compass rose.A title, a legend for most symbols, and a correct compass rose.One of the three is missing or incomplete.Two or more are missing./ 4
ScaleA clear scale bar with units; distances on the map match it, and I can use it to find real distances.A scale bar with units, and most distances match it.A scale is shown but distances do not match it.No scale is shown on the map./ 4
LabelsAll required features labeled, spelled correctly, with a consistent style for each type of feature.All required features labeled and spelled correctly.Some features missing labels, or several misspelled.Few labels, or most are misspelled./ 4
Accuracycounts ×2All features, borders and landforms match reliable sources closely; sources are listed.Most features match reliable sources; sources are listed.Several features are inaccurate, or no sources are listed.Many features are inaccurate./ 8
DesignColors and symbols show differences clearly; the layout is balanced and uncluttered.Neat and readable, with colors and symbols that make sense.Crowded or inconsistent in places.Messy or confusing./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can include a title, a full legend and an accurate compass rose.
  • I can draw a map scale and use it to show real distance.
  • I can label features clearly and consistently.
  • I can make a map that matches reliable sources.
  • I can design a map that is clear and easy to read.

When to use it

  • A map of a classroom, a school, a neighborhood, a state or a made-up island.
  • A social studies unit on regions, landforms or travel routes.
  • Give it out first so students sketch the key and compass rose before coloring.

What to say to students

  • Every symbol on your map needs a matching symbol in your key.
  • Put north at the top unless your compass rose says otherwise.
  • Label in pencil first, check your spelling, then trace over it.

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.