Branches of Earth Science
Name:
Date:
In your own words, define the following terms:
1. geology –
2. meteorology –
3. astronomy –
4. oceanography –
Writing Prompt:
Of the four branches of Earth Science, which is most important? Which is least important?
Below, write a paragraph (minimum of 6-7 sentences) ranking the four branches in order of
importance, in your opinion, and give valid reason(s) for your rankings. (Not valid – “because I
like oceanography”).
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Branches of
Earth Science
Reasons and
Explanations
(x 2)
Format
Spelling and
Grammar
3 Points
All 4 branches of
Earth Science are
mentioned and
ranked.
2 Points
1 branch of Earth
Science missing
and/or not ranked.
1 Point
2 branches of Earth
Science missing
and/or not ranked.
All 4 branches of
Earth Science
include
valid/thorough
explanations for
their rankings.
1 branch of Earth
Science is missing
an explanation for
its ranking and/or 1
explanation is not
valid.
2 branches of Earth
Science are missing
an explanation for
their ranking and/or
2 explanations are
not valid.
Writing includes a
well-developed
paragraph with the
necessary
components (intro,
middle, &
conclusion).
Paragraph is at
least 6 sentences.
Writing is missing
1 component of the
format (intro,
middle, or
conclusion) and/or
is not the
appropriate length
(5 sentences).
Writing is missing
2 components of
the format (intro,
middle, or
conclusion) and/or
is not the
appropriate length
(4 sentences).
Paragraph contains
no spelling or
grammatical errors.
Paragraph contains
1-2 spelling or
grammatical error.
Paragraph contains
3-4 spelling or
grammatical errors.
0 Points
3 or more
branches of
Earth Science
missing and/or
not ranked.
3+ branches of
Earth Science
are missing an
explanation for
ranking and/or
3+ explanations
are not valid.
Writing is
missing 2
components of
the format (intro,
middle, or
conclusion)
and/or is not the
appropriate
length
(3 sentences).
5+ spelling or
grammar errors