1
Term Scientific Definition Application in Water Cycle
evaporation when a liquid changes to
its gaseous state
Water has enough energy to leave its liquid
state and become water vapor.
condensation when a gas changes to its
liquid state
Water vapor molecules cool down high in the
atmosphere and form droplets and then drops
of water.
precipitation
any form of condensed
water falling back to
Earth’s surface
With certain temperature and atmospheric
pressure conditions, droplets of water in
clouds join together to form larger, heavier
drops. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail falls to
Earth’s surface.
transpiration
process of evaporation of
water from the leaves of
plants
Plants absorb water from the soil. As they
open tiny pores in their leaves to take in
carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, some
water escapes (along with oxygen) and
evaporates, becoming water vapor in the
atmosphere.
infiltration process of rainwater
soaking into the ground
Rainwater soaks into the ground, through soil
and porous underground rock, becoming
groundwater.
runoff
water that flows over land
until it joins with rivers,
lakes, and oceans
Much of the precipitation that returns to
Earth’s surface is unable to be absorbed and
flows downhill over Earth’s surface, collecting
minerals and soil) until it joins with rivers,
lakes, and oceans.
Scenario
Scientists have collected a significant amount of data about the water cycle and the six main
processes of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, transpiration, infiltration,
and runoff. Some of the collected data can be observed in the scientific definitions and the diagram
of the water cycle below.
6E3B The Water Cycle
2
Based on the evidence, write a scientific description of how of the processes of the water cycle
(evaporation, condensation, precipitation, transpiration, infiltration, and runoff) depend upon the
Sun’s energy to cycle water on Earth.
6E3B The Water Cycle
3
Claim
Evidence
Reasoning
6E3B The Water Cycle
4
Rebuttal (Optional)
6E3B The Water Cycle
Points
Awarded
2 1 0
Claim Student makes an accurate
and complete claim.
Student makes a
claim that is
inaccurate or
incomplete.
Student does not
make a claim.
Evidence Student makes use of all
pieces of available evidence,
uses labels, and addresses
variables.
Student provides
some pieces of
accurate evidence
but does not make
use of all available
evidence.
Student does not
provide evidence or
only provides
inappropriate or
vague evidence.
Reasoning Student connects evidence to
the claim and uses scientific
principles and vocabulary.
Student cites a
reason, but it is
inaccurate or does
not support the claim.
Student’s reasoning
does not use
scientific terminology
or uses it
inaccurately.
Student does not
connect the evidence
to the claim.
Rubric for Writing a Scientific Explanation
6E3B The Water Cycle
5
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1
Term Scientific Definition In the Water Cycle, evaporation occurs when a liquid turns to a gaseous.
its condition as a gas
Water has enough energy to escape its liquid state.
state and turn into water vapor
When a gas transitions to its liquid state, it condenses.
status of liquidity
High in the atmosphere, water vapor molecules cool down.
atmosphere, forming droplets, and finally drops
a body of water
precipitation
any type of compressed
water reverting to
The Earth’s surface
With particular temperature and atmospheric conditions
pressure situations, water droplets
Clouds combine to generate larger, heavier clouds.
drops. It rains, snows, sleets, or hails.
The planet’s surface.
transpiration
process of evaporation of
water from the leaves of
plants
Plants absorb water from the soil. As they
open tiny pores in their leaves to take in
carbon dioxide
