Rubric for Art + Code Projects

This rubric can be used to generally assess each of the Art + Code projects. It is meant to be a flexible starting point. You might see ways to connect these creative coding projects to what your students are already learning. We encourage you to make a copy and customize it to fit your class - adapt the language, add new categories, or shift the emphasis to highlight the skills and ideas that matter most in your space. Make a copy of this template.

Category 4 - Wow! 3 - Solid 2 - Getting There 1 - Needs Work
Design & Composition: My project visually matches my idea. I made strong visual choices to match my idea. My project shows style, care, and attention to how everything looks and works together. I made thoughtful design choices that connect to the assignment. My project looks complete and makes sense. I made some design choices, but parts feel unfinished or could be more clear. I didn’t think too much about how the project looks or how it connects to the goal of the lesson.
Idea & Purpose: My project expresses the idea I was trying to convey. I used code and visuals in order to tell a clear, unique story or express a strong idea. I used code and visuals in order to tell a story or show an idea. I started to use code and visuals to show a story or idea, but it needs more work. I’m still figuring out how to use code and visuals to express my idea.
Use of Code: I used different functions to make my project dynamic. I used most functions from the “Technical Terms & p5.js Elements” section of the lesson in order to make my project interactive or dynamic. I used some functions in the “Technical Terms & p5.js Elements” in order to build my project and make things move, appear, or react. I used a few functions in the “Technical Terms & p5.js Elements” in order to build my project and make things appear and move. I drew a few shapes in my p5.js sketch, but it does not move or react.
Problem Solving: I got my project running smoothly with no bugs. I used testing, debugging, or iteration in order to fix problems and improve my project. I used testing and debugging in order to get my project working. I tried to fix problems, but I got stuck or couldn’t try different ideas. I didn’t spend much time trying to solve any bugs I found in my code.
Reflection & Feedback: I improved my project based on feedback. I used feedback and reflection in order to improve my design or code. I listened to feedback in order to make changes to my work. I heard feedback but didn’t make changes based on it. I didn’t reflect on or revise my work yet.
Documentation: I used comments and named my project so others can read and understand my code.** I used comments or naming in order to explain my code clearly to others. I used some comments or names to make my code easier to understand. I have a few comments or names, but they’re confusing or unclear. I haven’t added any comments or project names yet.
Personal Expression: This project is meaningful to me. I used this project to share something meaningful about myself, my family, culture, or identity. I shared something about myself or my life in this project. I started to add something personal, but it’s not clear yet. This project looks more like the template than my own expression.
Creative Choices: I made this project my own. I made thoughtful creative choices to make this project feel like mine. I tried out different ideas and explained why I made those choices. I made some creative choices and explained what I was going for. I made a few choices, but I didn’t explain them or try many ideas. I didn’t really make any decisions about how the project looked or worked.
Effort and Iteration: I tried my best and put in all the effort I could! I put in extra time and tried different ideas in order to make this project the best it could be. I’m proud of how it turned out. I worked steadily and made sure my project met the expectations. I tried to make it look and work well. I did enough to finish, but I didn’t really explore different ideas or push myself. I rushed through the work or didn’t try to improve it. It feels unfinished or not my best.