Video project rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8
This video project rubric scores the plan or storyboard, a clear message, the sound, the editing, and credits for sources. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with the message 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.
Grades K–2
3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).
| Criteria | Wow! | Yes | Not yet |
|---|---|---|---|
| My plan | I drew boxes for every part before I filmed. | I drew a plan for some parts. | I did not make a plan. |
| My message | My video tells one clear thing from start to end. | My video tells one thing, with some extra parts. | It is hard to tell what my video is about. |
| Loud and clear | You can hear every word I say. | You can hear most of what I say. | It is hard to hear me. |
| Thank you | At the end I tell who helped and where things came from. | At the end I tell who helped. | My video has no thank-you part. |
- I can draw my plan before I film.
- I can make a video that tells one clear thing.
- I can speak so people can hear me in my video.
- I can say who helped and where my pictures came from.
Grades 3–5
4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.
| Criteria | Exceeds4 points | Meets3 points | Approaching2 points | Beginning1 point | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storyboard | A complete storyboard with every shot sketched and a script or notes for what is said. | A storyboard that covers most shots, with notes for what is said. | A partial storyboard, or one not followed. | No plan was made. | / 4 |
| Messagecounts ×2 | One clear message from the first shot to the last, supported with accurate, interesting facts. | A clear message with accurate facts. | The message wanders, or some facts are wrong. | No clear message. | / 8 |
| Audio | Voices are clear and steady, background noise is low, and any music stays quieter than voices. | Voices are clear most of the time. | Some parts are hard to hear or too loud. | Most of the audio is hard to hear. | / 4 |
| Editing | Clean cuts, a title and an ending, and it fits the time limit. | Has a title and ending, with mostly smooth cuts, near the time limit. | Choppy cuts, extra footage, or well over or under time. | Unedited or unfinished. | / 4 |
| Credits | Credits name every person who helped and every source of music, images and facts. | Credits name most helpers and sources. | Credits are incomplete. | The video has no credits. | / 4 |
- I can plan my video with a storyboard and a script.
- I can make a video with one clear message and accurate facts.
- I can record clear sound that is easy to hear.
- I can edit my video so it flows and stays on time.
- I can give credit for the music, images and facts I used.
Grades 6–8
4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.
| Criteria | Exceeds4 points | Meets3 points | Approaching2 points | Beginning1 point | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planning | A detailed storyboard, a full script and a shot list, revised after feedback. | A storyboard and a script that guide the filming. | Planning is partial or not followed. | No planning shown. | / 4 |
| Messagecounts ×2 | A clear purpose for a named audience; every scene builds the message with accurate evidence. | A clear purpose and accurate content that fits the audience. | The purpose is unclear in places, or content is thin or inaccurate. | No clear purpose or audience. | / 8 |
| Audio | Clear voices, balanced levels, little noise, and music or sound chosen to set the mood. | Clear voices with mostly balanced levels. | Uneven levels or noise make parts hard to follow. | Audio is mostly unclear. | / 4 |
| Shots and editing | Varied, steady shots; cuts and transitions match the pacing; titles readable; fits the time limit. | Steady shots and smooth cuts with readable titles, close to the time limit. | Shaky shots, abrupt cuts, or poor pacing in places. | Little editing; hard to watch. | / 4 |
| Credits and permission | Full credits; all media is original or free to use, and permission was asked of anyone filmed. | Credits for all sources; media is free to use. | Some credits missing, or some media not cleared. | No credits, or media used without permission. | / 4 |
- I can plan with a storyboard, a script and a shot list.
- I can communicate a clear purpose to a chosen audience.
- I can record and mix clear audio on purpose.
- I can choose shots and edits that help tell the story.
- I can credit every source and use only media I am allowed to use.
When to use it
- A how-to video, a book trailer, a news report or a science explainer.
- Give it out with the storyboard sheet so planning is part of the grade.
- A class screening, with classmates giving feedback on one row each.
What to say to students
- Draw your storyboard before you film anything.
- Say your message in one sentence. Every shot should help that sentence.
- Record in a quiet place and listen back before you keep a take.
- Give credit for any music, pictures or facts you did not make yourself.
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.