1
Scenario
Scientists have collected significant amounts of data about waves, currents, and tides on Earth.
Some of the collected data can be found in the Venn diagram below.
Based on the evidence, write a scientific description of common cause of waves, currents, and
tides on Earth.
WAVES CURRENTS
TIDES
WIND
waves caused by friction
between surface and
wind—based on speed, time,
and fetch
currents caused by global
wind patterns that push water
in the direction of the wind
DISTURBANCES
(minor and major
such as earthquakes
and volcanic
eruptions)
CORIOLIS EFFECT
rotation of Earth causes
clockwise currents in the north
and counterclockwise
currents in the south
SHAPE OF COASTLINE
causes water to travel in
a certain direction
DENSITY VARIATION
caused by
temperature
differences and
salinity differences
MOON
causes “Moon-side”
and “far-side” tides
together with the Sun
causes “tidal waves”
(NOT tsunamis)
SUN
together with the Moon
causes “tidal waves” (NOT
tsunamis) together with the
moon, the Sun’s gravity
affects the pull of the tides
unequal heating of Earth
causes global wind patterns
that cause surface ocean
currents and
waves
CAUSES OF WAVES, CURRENTS, AND TIDES
6E3D Waves, Currents, and Tides
2
Claim
Evidence
Reasoning
6E3D Waves, Currents, and Tides
3
Rebuttal (Optional)
3
6E3D Waves, Currents, and Tides
Rubric for Writing a Scientific Explanation
6E3D Waves, Currents, and Tides
4
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.
Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free:
Turnitin Report
Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
