You will receive a score using the following rubric:

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Writing/Content	Includes little persuasive information and only one or two facts about this explorer and his journey.	Includes some persuasive information with few details and few facts about this explorer and his journey.	Includes persuasive information with some details. Includes enough elaboration to give readers a clear picture of the explorer and his journey.	Covers topic convincingly and in depth. Includes descriptive details. Information makes direct connection between the explorer and his journey.
Research Requirements	Includes 1 or less maps, few graphics from outside sources, and poor or inappropriate use of all elements: fonts, layout, graphics, maps	Includes 1 map, fewer than 3 graphics from outside sources, good use of at least one element: fonts, layout, graphics, maps	Includes 1 map, 3 or more graphics for outside sources, and good use of two elements: fonts, layout, graphics, maps	Includes more than 1 map, more than 3 graphics, has a completely finished product, good use of all elements: fonts, layout, graphics, maps
Mechanics	Includes more than 5 grammatical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, etc.	Includes 3-4 grammatical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, etc.	Includes 2-3 grammatical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, etc.	Grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization are correct. No errors in text.
Cooperative Group Work (Individual)	Cannot work with others in most situations. Cannot share decisions or responsibilities.	Works with others but has difficulty sharing decisions and responsibilities.	Works well with others. Takes part in most decisions and contributes fair share to group.	Works well with others. Assumes a clear role and related responsibilities. Motivates others to do their best.
Cooperative Group Work (Group)	Group required teacher assistance with dividing tasks, helping and resolving differences.	Group had difficulty dividing tasks, did not help each other and required teacher assistance to resolve differences.	Group divided tasks, occasionally helped one another but required teacher assistance to resolve differences.	Group divided tasks, helped one another and worked to resolve differences.

Conclusion

Upon completion of this activity, you will have gained an understanding of what motivated the explorers to leave their countries, learned of the hardships and difficulties the explorers encountered, and learned how to combine information from two or more sources into a Persuasive Letter from the point-of-view of a ten-year-old stowaway!

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