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Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

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

This model project rubric scores a 3D model of a cell, a landform, a building, a machine or anything else that shows how something looks or works. It scores accuracy, the labels and key, the craftsmanship, and the explanation, so a simple model made from recycled materials can earn full marks. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points; K–2 uses three levels with no points. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

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

Model project rubric, grades K–2

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

Model project rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
It looks rightMy model has all the main parts in the right places.My model has some of the main parts.My model does not look like the real thing yet.
LabelsI label three or more parts.I label one or two parts.My model has no labels yet.
Built with careMy model is neat and stays together.My model mostly stays together.My model falls apart.
I tell about itI tell what it shows and name its parts.I tell what it shows.I need help to tell about it.
Open in the maker
  • I can make a model that looks like the real thing.
  • I can label the parts of my model.
  • I can build my model neatly and make it strong.
  • I can tell what my model shows.

Model project rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 4 criteria, 20 points in all.

Model project rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 20
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Accuracycounts ×2All important parts included, placed correctly, with sizes that make sense next to each other.Most important parts included and placed correctly.Some parts missing or placed wrong.Few parts are correct./ 8
Labels and keyEvery important part labeled, with a key or short descriptions that teach what each part does.Every important part labeled.Some parts labeled; labels are hard to read.No parts are labeled./ 4
CraftsmanshipNeat, sturdy and carefully finished, with materials chosen to show each part clearly.Neat and sturdy.Messy in places or partly falling apart.Unfinished or falling apart./ 4
ExplanationExplains what the model shows, how the parts work together, and how it differs from the real thing.Explains what the model shows and names the parts.Explanation is partial.Cannot explain the model./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can include the important parts in the right places and sizes.
  • I can label my model so others learn from it.
  • I can build a model that is neat and sturdy.
  • I can explain what my model shows.

Model project rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Model project rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Scientific accuracycounts ×2All key structures included, accurately placed, with relationships between parts clearly shown.Key structures included and accurately placed.Some structures missing or inaccurate.Mostly inaccurate./ 8
Scale and proportionBuilt to a stated scale, or explains each place where scale was changed and why.Proportions are reasonable and the scale is noted.Proportions are off with no explanation.No attention to scale./ 4
Labels and keyClear labels and a key that gives each part's function in precise terms.Clear labels and a key.Labels incomplete or unclear.No parts are labeled./ 4
CraftsmanshipMaterials are chosen to represent each part's texture or function, and the build is careful and durable.Neat and durable.Rough in places or fragile.Unfinished or falling apart./ 4
Explanation and limitsExplains how the model works and at least two limits of the model compared with the real thing.Explains how the model works and one limit.Describes the model but names no limits.Cannot explain the model./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can build an accurate model that shows how the parts relate.
  • I can show scale or explain where my model is not to scale.
  • I can label and describe each part's function.
  • I can choose materials that represent each part well and build carefully.
  • I can explain what my model shows and what any model cannot show.

When to use it

  • A 3D model for any unit: a plant or animal cell, a volcano, a landform, a bridge, a historic building.
  • A take-home project, so families can see that recycled materials score as well as bought ones.
  • As a checklist during an in-class build.

What to say to students

  • Your model is scored on what it teaches, not on what it cost.
  • Every important part needs a label.
  • Make it sturdy enough to carry to school and to stand on a table.
  • Be ready to tell us what your model shows and what it leaves out.

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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.