CERR Stem 1: the Special Properties of Water

CERR Stem 1: The Special Properties of Water The average high temperatures for San Francisco, CA, a coastal city (37.7750° N latitude), and Pleasanton, CA, an inland city (37.6625° N latitude), appear in the table below. One of the special properties of water contributes significantly to the observed temperature differences. Plot the data on a graph to better visualize the effect this property of water has on the identified cities. Respond to the following prompt using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, Rebuttal (CERR) framework for constructing a scientific explanation. Develop a claim that: 1) states the property of water partly responsible for the observed difference; and 2) take a stand on whether the property has a moderating or an amplification effect on temperature. Support your claim with evidence and explain how the evidence supports your response. Rebut alternative explanations. See “What to include in your argument” for further information.

Average Monthly High Temperatures For San Francisco and Pleasanton California in °F Month San Francisco Pleasanton Month San Francisco Pleasanton January 57 56 July 67 89 February 60 61 August 68 88 March 62 66 September 70 86 April 63 71 October 69 77 May 64 77 November 63 64 June 67 83 December 57 56

Temperature Graph for San Francisco and Pleasanton CA by Month

What to include in your argument: Write an argument in order to persuade another biologist that your claim is valid and acceptable. As you write your argument, remember to do the following:

• State the claim you are trying to support

• Include genuine evidence (data + analysis + interpretation)

• Provide a justification of your evidence that explains why the evidence is relevant and why it provides adequate support for the claim

• Include a rebuttal that provides counter evidence and reasoning for why the alternative explanations (s) is not the appropriate explanation for the question or problem.

• Organize your argument in a way that enhances readability • Use a broad range of words including vocabulary that we have learned

• Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors RUBRIC FOR GENERATE AN ARGUMENT

Point Value Aspect of the Argument 0 1 Comments or Suggestions

The claim

The claim is sufficient

The claim is accurate

The evidence

Includes data

The data is sufficient to support the claim

The justification of the evidence

Explains why the evidence is important or why it is relevant

Links the evidence to an important concept or principle

Rebuttal - The challenge (May be optional, ask your teacher)

The alternative explanation(s) being challenged is (are) explicit

Explains why the alternative explanation is inaccurate

Language of science

Appropriate use of scientific terms

Used phrases that are consistent with the nature of science

Mechanics

The order and arrangement of the sentences enhances the development of the main idea (organization)

The author used complete sentences, proper subject-verb agreement, and kept the tense constant (grammar)

The author used appropriate spelling, punctuation, and capitalization (conventions)

Total score /11 or /13

The Research Question: Develop a claim that: 1) states the property of water partly responsible for the observed difference; and 2) take a stand on whether the property has a moderating or an amplification effect on temperature.

Your Claim:

Your Evidence: Your Justification of the Evidence:

Rebuttal: