Physics Problem Solving Rubric

Criteria & 5 4 3 2 1
Rating
Approach chosen is Valid approach with minor Valid approach with Invalid approach Little or no
Strategic clearly shown, clearly errors that don’t disrupt multiple errors that that demonstrates understanding of
written & all elements understanding. impede little how to approach the
Approach
are valid. understanding. understanding of problem.
(S) the problem.
Appropriate concepts Appropriate concepts that Appropriate concepts At least one Little or no
Physics that are fully are mostly understood but identified, but not concept identified understanding of
understood employed with errors. employed or but unable to physics concepts.
Concepts
(symmetries, understood. demonstrate
(P) conserved quantities, understanding.
etc.), clearly stated &
employed correctly.

Correct starting Correct starting equations. Correct starting Can identify at Incorrect equations;
Mathematical equations; All All mathematical steps are equations. The least one equation, demonstrates little
mathematical steps clearly shown but minor mathematical steps but unable to apply or no understanding
Concepts
are clearly shown and errors yield wrong answer. are hard to follow them. of mathematical
(M) they flow easily OR and errors begin to concepts involved.
toward the correct Correct starting equations impede application.
answer. with correct final result but
the mathematical steps are
hard to follow.

100% correct answer Correct answer analytically Incorrect answer, but Unable to reach a No answer.
Answer – analytically (IA) (IA), but not numerically on the right path. correct answer on
numerically (IA) & (IA). this path.
(A)
conceptually (IA).

IA= If applicable; Score of Zero = Incomplete Assignment (NSW – No shown work) or (MS - Missing
assignment).