Scientific Arguments and Evidence Evaluation

Scientist Kate guides third-grade students through a lesson on writing scientific arguments using evidence. The lesson focuses on evaluating evidence to determine the best island for an orangutan reserve. Students learn to differentiate between strong and weak evidence, understand claims, and construct a scientific argument. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the process and a reminder to collect local weather data.

What is the main task in this lesson about writing island arguments?

• To write stories about orangutans

• To evaluate evidence to choose the best island for an orangutan reserve

• To learn about different types of weather

• To draw pictures of islands

Which claim was supported by evidence as the best choice for the orangutan reserve?

• Claim C: Creek Island

• Claim B: Blue Island

• Claim A: Ark Island

• Claim D: None of the above

What is a scientific argument?

• A fictional story about science

• A heated debate between scientists

• A claim supported by evidence about the natural world

• A list of opinions

What two weather characteristics are important for the orangutan reserve?

• Mild and cloudy

• Hot and rainy

• Cold and dry

• Windy and snowy

Why was Ark Island not recommended for the orangutan reserve?

• It had no temperature data

• It was too small

• It lacked precipitation data

• It was too cold

What evidence supported Blue Island as the best choice?

• It was the largest island

• It was the hottest and rainiest

• It had the most animals

• It had the most trees

What should you always start with when writing a scientific argument?

• A claim

• An opinion

• A question

• A conclusion

What is the purpose of collecting local weather data?

• To predict the future

• To compare with island data

• To use later in the unit

• To create a weather map

What is the nickname of the city where the next scientist lives?

• The Windy City

• The Big Apple

• The Mile High City

• The City of Angels

What should you do if you don't know the answer to the city hint?

• Ignore it

• Ask an adult

• Guess randomly

• Wait for the next lesson