Rubric for Grading Art

Criteria 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point Total

Principles and The artwork demonstrates
Elements of Art effective use of the
principles and elements of
art.
Aspects of The artwork demonstrates
Scientific effective use of an aspect of
Concepts a scientific concept
Scientific The artwork creates and
Aesthetic effective metaphor or
analogy for a scientific
concept that successfully
engages the viewer on the
chosen topic. The summary
is well written and original.
Effort The artwork demonstrates
outstanding effort; the
student was meticulous
when finalizing the design
of the artwork.
The artwork The artwork The artwork
demonstrates good use demonstrates some use demonstrates little
of the principles of art of the principles of art evidence of the
while using one or while using one or elements and
more elements of art. more elements of art. principles of art.
The artwork The artwork The artwork fails to
demonstrates good use demonstrates some demonstrate an
an aspect of a aspect of a scientific aspect of a scientific
scientific concept. concept. concept.
The artwork The artwork The artwork
demonstrates good demonstrates some demonstrates little
metaphor or analogy understanding of a understanding of a
of a scientific concept scientific concept and scientific concept
and helps to engage somewhat helps to and does not engage
viewer. The summary engage the viewer. The the viewer. The
is good and original. summary of the concept written summary
is barely acceptable. appears copied.
The artwork The student finished the The project was
demonstrates good project, but it could completed with
effort; with additional have been improved minimum effort.
effort the art might with more effort.
have been
outstanding.
Total

Basic Aspects of Scientific Concepts*

Organization, Cause and Effect, Systems, Scale, Models, Change, Structure and Function, Variation, Diversity

 Organization. Science is made manageable by organizing and classifying natural phenomena. For example, natural
objects can be assembled in hierarchies (atoms, molecules, mineral grains, rocks, strata, hills, mountains, and planets).
Or objects can be arranged according to their complexity (single-celled amoeba, sponges, and so on to mammals).
 Cause and effect. Nature behaves in predictable ways. Searching for explanations is the major activity of science;
effects cannot occur without causes.
 Systems. A system is a whole that is composed of parts arranged in an orderly manner according to some scheme or
plan. In science, systems involve matter, energy, and information that move through defined pathways. The amount of
matter, energy, and information, and the rate at which they are transferred through the pathways, varies over time.
 Scale refers to quantity, both relative and absolute. Thermometers, rulers, and weighing devices are used to show
that the extent and energy of objects vary in quantity.
 Models. Many objects described by science are too massive or too small to see, or are based on abstract theory. As a
consequence, scientists frequently use models to create or design objects that represent other things.
 Change. The natural world continually changes, although some changes may be too slow to observe. Rates of change
vary.
 Structure and function. A relationship exists between the way organisms and objects look (feel, smell, sound, and
taste) and the things they do.
 Variation. All organisms and objects have distinctive properties. Some of these properties are so distinctive that no
continuum connects them—for example, living and nonliving things, or sugar and salt. In most of the natural world,
however, the properties of organisms and objects vary continuously.
 Diversity. This is the most obvious characteristic of the natural world. There are many types of objects and organisms
and diversity in nature is essential for natural systems to survive. Children can explore and investigate a pond, for
instance, to learn that different organisms feed on different things.

*Developed by the National Center for Improving Science Education

 Principles of Art
Unity, Harmony, Balance, Emphasis, Variety, Contrast, Pattern, Rhythm, Proportion

 Unity or harmony is the quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements
and principles of art. This refers to the organization of the elements and principles to create a feeling of completeness.
 Balance refers to the arrangement of elements so that no one part of a work overpowers any other part. Two different
kinds of balance are symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical (also called formal) balance occurs when both sides
of an artwork, if split down the middle, appear to be the same. The human body is an example of symmetrical
balance.
 Emphasis (also called focal point) is where a viewer’s attention is focused or concentrated through the use of design
principles or meaning. An artist develops emphasis using points of interest that pull the viewer's eye to important parts
of the body of the work. Emphasis makes one part of an artwork dominant over the other parts so that one element or
object will stand out.
 Variety (also known as alternation) is the quality or state of having different forms or types. Differences give are
visual and conceptual interest. Variety can be expressed through the use of contrast, emphasis, color, or proportion.
 Contrast is used to show difference and diversity in a work of art by combining elements to create interest. Contrast
can be achieved by using difference shapes, textures, colors and values.
 Pattern and rhythm (also known as repetition) refers to the consistency of colors or lines. They indicate movement
through a repetition of shapes, colors, and other art elements. Alternating lights and darks give a sense of rhythm.
Rhythm can make an artwork seem active.
 Proportion (also called to as scale) refers to relationships between the sizes of objects in a body of work.

Elements of Art
Form, Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space, Value

 Form is three-dimensional and encloses a volume. Cubes, spheres, and cylinders are examples of various forms.
 Line refers to the continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point. It may be two dimensional, like a pencil
mark on a paper or it may be three dimensional like a wire. Line can also be implied by an edge, outline, contour or
silhouette.
 Shape is an enclosed space that has the appearance of two- or three-dimensional objects. Color has three properties:
1) Hue is the name given to the color, such as red, green, or yellow. 2) Intensity refers to the purity and strength of the
color. Words that can be used to describe intensity include brightness or dullness. 3) Value refers to the lightness or
darkness of the color.
 Texture refers to the surface quality or an object, such as roughness, smoothness, or softness. Actual texture can be
felt while simulated textures are implied by the way the artist renders areas in the picture.
 Space refers to the distance or area between, around, above, or within things.
 Value describes the lightness or darkness of a color.