STUDENT PORTFOLIO 1
Learning Activity: Student Portfolio Assignment
Kathleen King
School of Education, Liberty University
Author Note
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Kathleen King.
STUDENT PORTFOLIO 2
Learning Activity: Student Portfolio Assignment
Grade level and subject:
6th grade – Biology
Unit: Ancient Civilization
Unit Length: 6 weeks
Educational purpose of portfolio:
The purpose of this portfolio is to assess students' understanding and knowledge of ancient
civilizations, including their social structures, daily life, contributions to society, and the
reasons for their decline. It also aims to enhance students' research and presentation skills.
Written directions provided for your students:
Throughout the unit, you will compile a portfolio that showcases your understanding of
various ancient civilizations. You should select specific artifacts, research findings, and
projects that demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking. Each entry should include a
brief summary, explaining why you chose the item or project and how it deepened your
understanding of the ancient civilization.
Categories and specific items students are to include in their portfolio:
Week One: Mesopotamia
Choose one item from #1 and one item from #2.
Drawing or model of a ziggurat or cuneiform writing.
Short essay on the role of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the development of Mesopotamian
civilization.
Week Two: Ancient Egypt
Choose one item from #1 and one item from #2.
Create a timeline of major events in Ancient Egypt.
Craft a model of a pyramid or write a report on the significance of the Nile River to the
Egyptians.
Week Three: Ancient Greece
Choose one from the following:
Research and present a report on a famous Greek philosopher.
Create a poster depicting Greek mythology.
Week Four: Ancient Rome
Choose one item from #1 and one item from #2.
Build a model of the Roman Colosseum or a Roman road.
Write an essay on the factors contributing to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Week Five: Ancient China
STUDENT PORTFOLIO 3
Choose one from the following:
Create a presentation on ancient Chinese inventions.
Craft a model of the Great Wall of China.
Week Six: Maya, Inca, or Aztec Civilizations
Choose a piece of work not already included in the portfolio. Be sure to state on your cover
page why you wanted this work to be included. You must include a summary of the
civilization's achievements.
Rubric for assessing portfolio:
CATAGORY Excellent- 5 Good- 4 Average- 3 Poor- 1 to 2
Drawing or Model All elements are accurately represented. High level of creativity and
attention to detail.
Short Essay Essay is well-structured, thoroughly researched, and clearly articulates the topic.
Timeline/Poster Clearly depicts major events or mythology with attention to detail and
accuracy.
Presentation/Paper Presentation or paper demonstrates comprehensive understanding and
clarity.
Artifact/Project All artifacts and projects are well-presented, and the choice is well-justified.
Summary and Reflection Exceptional reflection and insightful summaries that demonstrate
deep understanding.
Rating form:
Ancient Civilizations Portfolio Rating Form
Content Categories:
Drawing or Model______
Short Essay_______
Timeline/Poster_______
Presentation/Paper______
Artifact/Project______
Summary and Reflection______
1. Creativity
Rating Description
5 Exceptional creativity and attention to detail
are displayed in all items.
4 Good creativity and attention to detail, but
STUDENT PORTFOLIO 4
one item may lack the same level of
creativity.
3 Adequate creativity and attention to detail in
some items, but others may lack creativity.
2 Limited creativity and attention to detail.
Most items lack creativity.
1 Minimal to no creativity or attention to detail
is evident.
2. Understanding
Rating Description
5 Excellent understanding of the subject
matter is demonstrated in all items.
4 Good understanding of the subject matter is
demonstrated in most items.
3 Adequate understanding of the subject
matter is demonstrated in some items.
2 Limited understanding of the subject matter
is demonstrated in most items.
1 Minimal to no understanding of the subject
matter is demonstrated.
3. Presentation Quality
Rating Description
5 Excellent presentation quality in all items,
with clear organization and neatness.
4 Good presentation quality in most items,
with clear organization and neatness.
3 Adequate presentation quality in some items,
with some organization and neatness issues.
2 Limited presentation quality in most items,
with poor organization and neatness.
1 Poor presentation quality in all items, with
no organization or neatness.
Sum of rating:______
Average of rating:______
STUDENT PORTFOLIO 5
Ancient Civilizations Cumulative Rating Form (attach to each submission)
Example
Student: ___________________
Creativity Understanding Presentation Quality
Criteria Rating Rating Rating
Drawing or Model 5 5 5
Short Essay 5 5 5
Timeline/Poster 5 5 5
Presentation/Paper 5 5 5
Artifact/Project 5 5 5
Summary and Reflection 5 5 5
Teacher: Comments on critical thinking and presentation skills: Outstanding work,
demonstrating in-depth research, creativity, and understanding of ancient civilizations. Well
done!
Student: Comments on critical thinking and presentation skills: I thoroughly enjoyed this
assignment and learned a lot about different ancient civilizations. It was challenging but
rewarding.
Parent: Comments on critical thinking and presentation skills: Impressed with the effort and
creativity displayed by my child. This assignment enhanced their understanding of history.
