Criteria Checker

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 strengthen analytical reasoning and cross-curricular understanding by evaluating examples against clearly defined criteria. Students examine three categories-Renewable Natural Resources, Primary Sources in Historical Research, and Essential Qualities of Scientific Claims-and decide whether each example fits by answering Yes or No and explaining their reasoning using evidence and academic language.

Learning Goals

• Applying Criteria Accurately (Grades 6-8) – Compare examples directly to stated definitions and requirements.
• Evidence-Based Reasoning – Support decisions with clear explanations tied to criteria.
• Understanding Renewable Resources and Scientific Claims – Identify defining features of renewability and scientific validity.
• Classifying Primary Sources – Distinguish primary sources from secondary or non-historical materials.
• Academic Vocabulary Use – Explain reasoning with precise, subject-appropriate language.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support analytical thinking across disciplines.
• Clear Criteria Provided – Allows students to focus on application and reasoning rather than guessing definitions.
• Cross-Curricular Skill Building – Reinforces science, social studies, research literacy, and ELA skills in one task.
• Strong Justification Practice – Emphasizes explaining why an example fits or does not fit a category.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for content-area literacy, test prep, small groups, independent practice, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students understand that accurate classification depends on applying clear criteria and supporting decisions with evidence. By evaluating examples across multiple academic domains and explaining their reasoning, learners build confidence in critical thinking, academic writing, and analytical decision-making. It is a simple, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings that strengthens evidence-based reasoning and interdisciplinary comprehension skills.

This worksheet is part of our Classifying and Categorizing Information Worksheets collection.