SRMHS PBL Biology GMO Content Rubric
CRITERI
A
Debates for
and against
Safety/
Ethics of
GMOs
UNSATISFACTORY
PROFICIENT
(Below Performance Standards)
(Minimal Criteria)
 Arguments are based solely on opinion, and there
is no evidence of research.
 All sources are cited (this is needed for ANY
credit)
 Information in the exhibit does not adequately
explain both sides of the GMO debate
(NCSCOS
Goal 3.01
and 3.04)
 Arguments are based on current research on GMOs
(not opinions)

All sources are cited
 Evidence is used to predict impacts on human health in
various parts of the world.
 Legal issues such as patents, law suits, and laws are
discussed
 Does not present legal issues such as patents, law
suits, and laws.
 Evidence used to predict impact on global wealth and
poverty.
 Does not use evidence to predict impact on global
wealth and poverty.
 Does not use evidence to predict impact on
ecosystems and the environment around the world
 Evidence used to predict impact on ecosystems and the
environment around the world.
 Does not explain the central dogma and/or does
not demonstrate how DNA structure relates to
RNA structure
 Does not explain protein synthesis including
mRNA, tRNA, transcription, translation, amino
acids, and base pairing.
 Does not differentiate between the different types
of genetic mutations.
 Does not explain genetic modification techniques
and/or the purpose of the modification.
0 - - - - - - - - - - - - 25 - - - - - - - - - - - - 52
COMMENTS:
ADVANCED
(Demonstrates Exceptional
Performance)
 Does not use evidence to predict impacts on
human health in various parts of the world.
0 - - - - - - - - - - - - 8 - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Handout
Content
STUDENT: _____________________________
EVALUATOR: _____________ DATE: _______
18 - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
23 - - - - - - - - - - 24 - - - - - - - - - - - 25
Does the following with a focus on the group’s research
topic:
 Explain the central dogma with particular attention to
how DNA is used to determine RNA structure.
 Explains protein synthesis including mRNA, tRNA,
transcription, translation, amino acids, ribosomes,
codons, and base pairing.
 Differentiates between the different types of genetic
mutations.
 Explains genetic modification techniques and their
purpose for your group’s GMO.
53 - - - - - - - - - - - - 60 - - - - - - - - - - - - 69
In addition to meeting the
PROFICIENT criteria…
 Argument concludes with a
position about the use of
GMOs
 Argument suggests
regulations/standards that the
government should adopt.
In addition to meeting the
PROFICIENT criteria …
 Explanation of the biology of
genetic modification is
particularly detailed and
thorough.
 Graphs or charts are used.
 An image illustrating the
process of gene expression
from a gene to a protein is
included.
 Includes a description of the
use of gel electrophoresis to
isolate a donor gene.
70- - - - - - - - -73 - - - - - -- -75
 New Technology High School 2004-2005