Apologia Chemistry: Rubrics, Tests, and Deadlines

 Usually, I do some direct instruction and labs in class—usually for about three hours a week.  Instead we are Zooming twice a week, usually for 40 minutes a session.  After the Zoom class, I usually start another meeting immediately to answer questions or check on individual kids.  How do you set a deadline?  My kids did three labs last week.  They had to create two graphs and complete the specific heat calculations.  I set a deadline for last Friday.  But, some of the kids couldn’t schedule a meeting until Monday.  I think deadlines should be flexible.  Don’t get me wrong.  I set deadlines to keep the kids on track.  I have a timeline, Conversion quiz, Specific Heat Quiz, and Periodic Table test I want to complete over the next few weeks.  I work with the kids to set due dates.  When I make an assignment, such as the timeline, I create a rubric.  I do this in class.  What does the timeline need to earn full credit?  I jot down their responses: title, all scientists, dates, contributions, etc.  I do add my own requirements.  The Atomic Theory timeline is easier to read if each scientist, his birth, death, and contribution dates are colored differently.  I want the timeline set up like a number line with even increments for the dates.  But, I strongly recommend working with the kids to schedule assignments and set guidelines.  You’re creating a partnership.  I work with the kids even to schedule and take quizzes and tests.  Some kids need to take the Periodic Table test ten times before successfully memorizing 50 elements.  I allow retests.  The mastery is more important to me than the grade.