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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
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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
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Claim
Evidence
Reasoning
6E3B The Water Cycle
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Rebuttal (Optional)
4
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
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Scientific Definition of the Term Application in the Water Cycle
When a liquid converts to a gaseous state, this is referred to as evaporation. Water has enough energy to escape its liquid state.
state and turn into water vapor
Condensation occurs when a gas transitions to a liquid form. Water vapor molecules cool in the atmosphere, forming droplets and then drops.
a body of water
any type of concentrated precipitation
water resurfacing on the Earth’s surface
Droplets of water in the atmosphere can form under particular temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions.
Clouds combine to generate greater, heavier drops. It rains, snows, sleets, or hails.
The planet’s surface.
The process of evaporation of water from the leaves of plants is known as transpiration.
plants
Water is absorbed by plants from the soil. They take in carbon dioxide by opening microscopic pores in their leaves.
