Science Rubric – Basic Skill 038
Description: This lesson is designed to help students become familiar with Abraham Lincoln's childhood as a pioneer in Indiana
between 1816 and 1830. Even though he did not have the opportunity to attend a formal school very often during this time period, he
developed a strong love of reading and writing. Students will explore Lincoln's love of learning as well as his life in a pioneer
community in Indiana. They will work with literature about Lincoln's childhood, read imaginary letters from Lincoln as a child, make
a timeline of Lincoln's life, write their own historical fiction letters as if they were pioneer children, and explore some of Lincoln's
actual writing from his adult years. Through these activities, students will discover how Lincoln's childhood in Indiana and his love of
reading and writing influenced and prepared him for his later role as President of the United States.
Student Name_________________________________________
4 – Strong Understanding
3 – Basic Understanding
All Historical information
appeared to be accurate and
appropriate.
Almost all historical
information appeared to be
accurate and appropriate.
Pioneer Point-of-view
Point of view, ideas, events,
and descriptions were
consistently in character of
pioneer child.
Point of view, ideas, events,
and descriptions were often
in character of pioneer child.
Detailed information
Student included many vivid,
specific details and more
information than was
required.
Student wrote letter in
correct format with all of the
necessary parts of the letter
(date, greeting, body,
closing)
Student included several
specific details and all
information that was
required.
Student wrote letter mostly
in correct letter format with
most of the necessary parts
of a letter (date, greeting,
body, closing)
Historical Accuracy
Letter Format
75% proficiency to successfully complete SLO
Date____________________________________
2 – Developing
Understanding
Most of the historical
information appeared
to be accurate and
appropriate.
Point of view, ideas,
events, and
descriptions were
sometimes in character
of pioneer child
Student included some
details and all
information that was
required.
Student wrote letter
partly in correct letter
format with most of the
necessary parts of a
letter (date, greeting,
body, closing)
1 – No Understanding
Very little of the
historical information
was accurate and/or
appropriate.
Point of view, ideas,
events, and descriptions
were rarely in character
of pioneer child
Student included few
or vague details and all
information that was
required.
Student wrote very
little of the letter in
correct format without
most of the necessary
parts of a letter (date,
greeting, body, closing)