Here is the assignment and rubric Janet Leis gave to her 6th graders at Hoover Middle School in Long Beach, CA. See the discussion about this rubric and two samples of student work.

Discovering Lucy

Writing Situation: Pretend you are a member of Donald Johanson's team. It is the middle of December 1974. Just three weeks ago on November 30, Donald found the first part of an ancient hominid skeleton fossil. It is three weeks later and last night you stayed up all night piecing the skeleton together.

Write a letter home to your parents or guardian describing this most amazing find. You letter must have a description of the skeleton, its species and nickname. Your letter must also include many realistic details like sights, sounds and feelings which correctly describe the day. The more real facts and details woven into your letter the higher your grade is likely to be. Remember to write a proper friendly letter.

Lucy Letter Rubric

Score of 4

sounds like you were really there the day Lucy was found
includes many details, sights, sounds and feelings which correctly describe the day
contains a correct, thorough description of Lucy's skeleton
contains proper friendly letter format, spelling, grammar and punctuation

Score of 3

sounds pretty much like you were there the day Lucy was found
includes some details, sights, sounds and feelings which correctly describe the day
contains a correct and fairly thorough description of Lucy's skeleton
has a proper friendly letter format and few spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes

Score of 2

sounds a little bit like you were there the day Lucy was found
includes few details, sights, sounds and feelings which correctly describe the day
contains a very brief description of Lucy's skeleton with few mistakes
contains many mistakes in the friendly letter format, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Score of 1

doesn't sound like you were there
includes little or no details, sights, sounds and feelings which correctly describe the day
does not describe Lucy's skeleton
very many mistakes in the friendly letter format, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

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Samples of student work

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