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State report rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This state report rubric scores a research report on one US state: the basic facts, geography and a map, the economy and natural resources, history, organization, and sources. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with the facts counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words a young child can follow, 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.

State report rubric, grades K–2

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

State report rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
My stateI tell the name, the capital and a state symbol.I tell the name and the capital.I tell the name only.
My mapI color my state on a map and mark the capital.I color my state on a map.I cannot find my state on a map yet.
Cool factsI share three or more facts in my own words.I share one or two facts.I do not share facts yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can tell the name and capital of my state.
  • I can find my state on a map.
  • I can share facts about my state.

State report rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

State report rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
State factscounts ×2Accurate capital, population, statehood year and symbols, plus two surprising facts.Accurate capital, statehood year and symbols.Some basic facts missing or wrong.Few facts, or most are wrong./ 8
Geography and mapA labeled map with the capital, large cities, rivers and landforms, plus a paragraph on the land.A labeled map with the capital and some landforms.A map with few labels.No map is included./ 4
Resources and jobsExplains the main resources, crops or industries and how they connect to the land.Names the main resources or industries.Names one resource without explaining it.Not included./ 4
HistoryThree or more events in order with dates, and why each mattered.Two or three events in order with dates.Events listed out of order or without dates.No history included./ 4
Organization and sourcesClear headings, facts in the student's own words, and two or more sources listed.Headings and one or more sources listed.Weak organization, or no source listed.No organization or sources./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can share accurate facts about my state's capital, symbols and people.
  • I can describe my state's land and show it on a labeled map.
  • I can explain what my state grows, makes or is known for.
  • I can tell important events in my state's past in order.
  • I can organize my report under headings and list my sources.

State report rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

State report rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Research and accuracycounts ×2Accurate, current facts with figures dated and sourced, chosen to show what makes the state distinct.Accurate facts from credible sources.Facts are dated, partly wrong or unsourced.Little accurate information./ 8
GeographyExplains how landforms, climate and water shape where people live and work, with a map of evidence.Describes landforms and climate with a labeled map.Lists features without connecting them to life there.Geography not addressed./ 4
EconomyExplains the leading industries, why they grew there and how they have changed, with data.Explains the leading industries with some data.Names industries without explanation.Economy not addressed./ 4
History and governmentTraces key events with cause and effect and explains the branches of state government.Lists key events in order and names the branches of state government.Events are unconnected, or government is missing.History and government not addressed./ 4
Structure and citationsA clear introduction and conclusion, headed sections, and sources cited in one format.Clear sections and sources listed.Uneven sections or incomplete citations.No structure or citations./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can present accurate, current facts from credible sources.
  • I can explain how the state's geography shapes life there.
  • I can explain the state's economy and what drives it.
  • I can trace key events and explain how the state government works.
  • I can organize the report and cite sources consistently.

When to use it

  • The state report in third, fourth or fifth grade, written, as a poster or as a float or brochure.
  • A home state unit, with each student taking one part of the state.
  • As a checklist in the research folder so students know which facts to gather.

What to say to students

  • Find the capital, the state symbols and where your state sits on the map.
  • Tell us how people in your state earn a living and what grows or is made there.
  • Put facts in your own words and write down where each came from.

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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.