This document contains three identical tier 3 rubrics that assess knowledge of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Each rubric awards 10 points for classifying the rock type and describing its formation process and features. Further points are given for examples of each rock type. The rubrics evaluate understanding of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks, foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks, and clastic, organic, and chemical sedimentary rocks and their lithification.

1. Tier 3 Rubric Tier 3 Rubric Tier 3 Rubric
10 points rock classification 10 points rock classification 10 points rock classification
Igneous Igneous Igneous
10 points formation 10 points formation 10 points formation
10 points intrusive and extrusive 10 points intrusive and extrusive 10 points intrusive and extrusive
10 points description of instrusive 10 points description of instrusive 10 points description of instrusive
and extrusive and extrusive and extrusive
5 points Examples 5 points Examples 5 points Examples
Metamorphic Metamorphic Metamorphic
10 points formation 10 points formation 10 points formation
10 points foliated, non-foliated, 10 points foliated, non-foliated, 10 points foliated, non-foliated,
contact, and regional contact, and regional contact, and regional
10 points description of foliated 10 points description of foliated and 10 points description of foliated and
and non-foliated non-foliated non-foliated
5 points Examples 5 points Examples 5 points Examples
Sedimentary Sedimentary Sedimentary
10 points formation 10 points formation 10 points formation
10 points clastic, organic, and 10 points clastic, organic, and 10 points clastic, organic, and
chemical chemical chemical
10 points lithification process 10 points lithification process 10 points lithification process
5 points Examples 5 points Examples 5 points Examples
Tier 3 Rubric Tier 3 Rubric Tier 3 Rubric
10 points rock classification 10 points rock classification 10 points rock classification
Igneous Igneous Igneous
10 points formation 10 points formation 10 points formation
10 points intrusive and extrusive 10 points intrusive and extrusive 10 points intrusive and extrusive
10 points description of instrusive 10 points description of instrusive 10 points description of instrusive
and extrusive and extrusive and extrusive
5 points Examples 5 points Examples 5 points Examples
Metamorphic Metamorphic Metamorphic
10 points formation 10 points formation 10 points formation
10 points foliated, non-foliated, 10 points foliated, non-foliated, 10 points foliated, non-foliated,
contact, and regional contact, and regional contact, and regional
10 points description of foliated 10 points description of foliated and 10 points description of foliated and
and non-foliated non-foliated non-foliated
5 points Examples 5 points Examples 5 points Examples
Sedimentary Sedimentary Sedimentary
10 points formation 10 points formation 10 points formation
10 points clastic, organic, and 10 points clastic, organic, and 10 points clastic, organic, and
chemical chemical chemical
10 points lithification process 10 points lithification process 10 points lithification process
5 points Examples 5 points Examples 5 points Examples