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Climate Writing Activity Claim Evidence Reasoning + Factors Affecting Climate

Climate Writing Activity Claim Evidence Reasoning + Factors Affecting Climate

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Can two towns that are close together have different climates?


Help students strengthen their Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) writing skills while applying their understanding of factors that influence climate with this no-prep middle school science activity! In Can Nearby Towns Have Different Climates?, students compare Glenwood Springs and Aspen, Colorado. Although the two towns are located in the same mountain region and at nearly the same latitude, they can experience different long-term temperature and precipitation patterns. Students evaluate two competing explanations and use scientific evidence to determine which claim is better supported.


Students then construct a complete Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning response using evidence about latitude, elevation, topography, distance from water, and long-term climate data.


NO PRIOR RESOURCE REQUIRED!

This activity includes a student-friendly Science Evidence Reference Sheet, so it can be used as a completely standalone CER activity. Students have the background information and climate data they need to identify at least three pieces of evidence and support their claim. Teachers can also remove the reference sheet to use the CER as a more independent unit assessment or review activity.


WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Real-world climate CER scenario

  • Two competing student claims for students to evaluate

  • CER task and success criteria

  • Brainstorming space

  • Dedicated Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning response page

  • Science Evidence Reference Sheet

  • Information about:

    • Weather vs. climate

    • Latitude

    • Elevation

    • Topography

    • Distance from large bodies of water

    • Long-term climate data

  • Glenwood Springs vs. Aspen-style climate data table

  • 20-point teacher grading rubric

  • Complete teacher answer key

  • Sample CER response

  • Teacher notes and acceptable evidence

  • Expected cause-and-effect reasoning chain


The included reference sheet specifically asks students to identify at least three pieces of evidence and provides climate-factor information plus temperature, precipitation, and elevation data to analyze.


STUDENTS WILL PRACTICE

  • Making a clear scientific claim

  • Selecting relevant scientific evidence

  • Using quantitative and qualitative evidence

  • Connecting evidence to a claim through reasoning

  • Distinguishing relevant evidence from background information

  • Analyzing climate patterns

  • Explaining cause-and-effect relationships

  • Using Earth science vocabulary accurately

  • Writing scientific explanations in complete sentences


PERFECT FOR

  • Weather and climate units

  • Factors affecting climate lessons

  • CER writing practice

  • Earth science

  • Science literacy

  • Formative assessment

  • Unit review

  • Independent practice

  • Sub plans

  • Small-group instruction

  • Intervention

  • Evidence-based writing practice

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