Arguments
The contents of this framework are intended to help educators use Citizen Science as a
tool for engaging learners in scientific discovery. It is not designed to support scripted
teaching approaches, rather to leverage the elements of the video game to support
educators in linking game content to local contexts. Have fun playing and learning!
Citizen Science can be played online here:
http://citizenscience.mirerca.com/
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Arguments (Content Clusters)
Argument 1: Don’t Let Raven Swim
Summary:
In this introductory section, players are
introduced to the Lake Spirit and are
made aware of the fact that the lake is
unhealthy, and dangerous to humans
and small animals. After the main
character (referred to in this document
as the gender-neutral “Chris”) is able to
convince dad that it’s a bad idea to let
Raven, the pet dog, swim in the lake, it
is clear to the Lake Spirit that the Chris
is the chosen “Steward”, who is then
launched through time to right the
wrongs of years past. But Chris is not
alone. A muskrat sidekick named “Zib”
joins for the adventure.
Big Ideas:
 Algae in lakes can be dangerous for the health of humans and small animals.
 Humans have introduced pollutants (such as phosphates) into the lake’s ecosystem.
 Phosphates cause problems like algae blooms.
 Good argumentation requires the use of evidence to support points.
 Convincing arguments can help people make behavioral choices.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces dad not to let Raven swim in the lake:
 Because Raven could get sick and die if she swims in the lake.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Algae
 Algae blooms
 Pollutant
 Phosphate
 Ecosystem
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Peculiar
 Maintain
 Reverse
 Convince
 Certainly
 Foretold
 Steward
 Guise
 Humanity









Exposition
Hasten
Bound
Destiny
Rectify
Opportunity
Debt
Restore
Salutation
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Argument 2: Don’t Introduce Exotic Species into the Lake
Summary:
After being instructed to gather data with a Secchi disk from the lake, Chris needs to find a boat to take
him to the middle of the lake. Unfortunately, he finds the dock blocked by protesters, who want to add an
exotic species of mussel to the lake, in order to keep the water clearer. To secure transport out to the
lake, Chris must convince the protesters that biodiversity isn’t always good, and sometimes what seems
like a good idea can have unforeseen drawbacks.
Big Ideas:
 Eutrophic lakes are not dangerous for some species, such as muskrats, but are dangerous for other
species, such as humans.
 Models can show us how different variables have an impact on a system. (Game example: Lake
Globe)
 Eutrophic lakes can have a bad odor, particularly along the shoreline.
 Eutrophic lakes have an overabundance of the nutrients needed by plants and algae, which can in
turn present a significant health hazard.
 Secchi disks are tools that scientists use to measure the turbidity, or cloudiness of a lake.
 Turbidity is an indicator of the lake’s overall health, and can help predict algae blooms and growing
lake eutrophication.
 Using keywords like “because” and “although” in arguments can help build a case in convincing
someone of something.
 Just because something is natural and has a desired impact (like mussels making water less cloudy),
other related outcomes may make it a poor decision (like increasing algae and cluttering beaches).
 Chemistry readings of water can help identify the amount of things like phosphates, which are a
pollutant. Readings tend to be higher closer to the source of the pollution.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces protesters not to introduce exotic species of mussels into
the lake:
 Although mussels are a part of nature.
 Because mussel shells can clutter beaches making them unsafe to walk
on.
 Because mussels can increase algae blooms.
 Although mussels that filter water can increase lake clarity, making it
look prettier.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Limnologist
 Eutrophic
 Species
 Wetlands
 Agronomist
 Secchi disk
 Turbidity
 Pollutant*
 Algae blooms (Algal blooms)*








Clarity
Algae*
Nutrient
Runoff
Chemistry
Equal rights
Phosphate*
Environment
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Steward*
 Fabled
 Persuasion



Sensation
Variable
Affect
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















Impact
Evidence
Argument
Analyze
Exotic
Mussel
Aggravate
Motivation
Advantage
Indicator
Problematic
Potent
Stymie
Stereotype
Roster
Protest
















Launch
Convince*
Obstruct
Increase
Clutter
Filter
Snapshot
Retool
Overabundance
Significant
Hazard
Proverbial
Conceivable
Suspicion
Accurate
Concentration
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 3: Plant Buffer Strips
Summary:
Water samples that Chris took for the limnology professor suggest that farmers are polluting the lake with
excess runoff. After speaking to a government official about buffer strips, the player must convince one of
the farmers that planting buffer strips around her crops isn’t just beneficial to the lake, but the government
can also help provide for it.
Big Ideas:
 The runoff from farms can be a dangerous pollutant, and contribute to eutrophication.
 One such pollutant that gets carried into lakes via runoff is manure.
 Buffer strips filter and reduce the pollutants that can enter a lake via runoff.
 The government subsidizes or helps provide resources for farms that want to use buffer strips.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces the farmers that they should plant buffer strips to catch runoff:
 Because phosphates can get carried into the lake via runoff.
 Because buffers can be subsidized by the government.
 Because buffer strips filter runoff.
 Because buffer strips reduce runoff.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Buffer strips
 Runoff*
 Phosphates*
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Manure
 Forcibly
 Designate
 Necessary
 Subsidies (Subsidize)
 Reduce
 Compelling
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 4: Manure Should Be Treated
Summary:
In addition to arguing for buffer strips, Chris must also convince another farmer that he should send his
manure to treatment plants, instead of allowing it to enter the lake within runoff. To successfully argue for
more action on the part of the farmers, the player must incorporate evidence that he or she has gathered
from their scientific tests, as well as what they have learned from talking to the government official and
interacting with the Lake Globe.
Big Ideas:
 The runoff from farms can be a dangerous pollutant, and contribute to eutrophication.
 One such pollutant that gets carried into lakes via runoff is manure.
 Manure contains nutrients, like phosphates and nitrates.
 Buffer strips filter and reduce the pollutants that can enter a lake via runoff.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces the farmers that manure should be taken to a waste treatment
facility:
 Because manure can be sent to a treatment facility just like human poop.
 Because manure can be carried into the lake via runoff.
 Because manure contains nutrients like phosphates and nitrates.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Runoff*
 Nutrient*
 Phosphate*
 Nitrate
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Convince*
 Manure*
 Treatment
 Facility
 Dispose
 Lethal
 Persuasion*







Bound*
Foretold*
Steward*
Maroon
Launch*
Destined*
Regardless
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 5: Support Fishing Regulation
Summary:
After saving the lake in the past, Chris returns to the present, but still has plenty to do in order to make the
lake healthy. A DNR warden suggests that the player talk to some local fishermen who are not following
DNR regulations on fishing quotas. The player must convince the fisherman that, although they do not
support the regulation, it is important for keeping the lake healthy.
Big Ideas:
 Piscivores (animals that eat other fish) and planktivores (animals that feed on plankton, the
microscopic organisms in water) are parts of a lake ecosystem.
 Stocking or increasing the supply of piscivores in the lake (fish that eat other fish) helps reduce algae
blooms.
 Overfishing reduces the number of fish in a lake, and can result in increased algae.
 Regulations set forward rules for how a system can be used/interacted with to support a bigger goal
or objective. In this case, fishing regulations help prevent overfishing.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces fishermen that they should support fishing regulation:
 Because over-fishing can increase algae populations.
 Because fishing reduces important fish populations, namely piscivores.
 Because planktivores can reduce algae levels in the lake.
Although anglers are not in favor of increased regulation.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Algae bloom*
 Phosphate-fertilizer*
 Piscivore
 DNR
 Limnologist*
 Algae*





Planktivore
Fyke net
Phosphate*
Eutrophic*
Rain garden
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Steward
 Foretold*
 Scheming
 Exposition*
 Illegal
 Flummoxing
 Poacher
 Obliged
 Mosey
 Stocking (Restocking)
 Cajole
 Regulation












Oppose
Restrictive
Increase*
Population
Reduce*
Angler
Convince*
Vital
Patently
Peculiar*
Hermetically-sealed
Prevent
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 6: Avoid Using Phosphate-Based Fertilizers
Summary:
What's almost as stinky as a eutrophic lake? Suspicious neighbors and bad attitudes. Another source of
lake pollution is the runoff from phosphate-fertilizers. It's so harmful, in fact, that there's a regulatory ban
on them. So when Chris finds out that the neighbors are suspicious of a community member and his use
of illegal fertilizers, Chris must put those convincing skills to work again. And while successful, Chris also
learns of a shady character who's been trying to undermine the good work of restoring lake health!
Big Ideas:
 Some kinds of chemical substances, such as phosphate-based fertilizers, are illegal to sell because
of their dangers to people and the environment.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces Carl to avoid using phosphate based fertilizers:
 Because the neighbors are suspicious that someone is using illicit
fertilizer.
 Because phosphate fertilizers are illegal.
 Because phosphates can get carried into the lake via runoff.
 Because phosphates increase algae blooms.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Phosphate*
 Phosphate-fertilizer*
 Runoff*
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Obsessed
 Illegal*
 Fertilizer*
 Ban
 Illicit
 Enterprising
 Suspicious*
 Convince*
 Element
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 7: Plant Rain Gardens
Summary:
Charged by the Limnologist to convince community members to make choices that will help the lake's
health, Chris runs in to Brittany on a walk along the lake path. Brittany once learned about planting rain
gardens in school, but she doesn't really remember why it was a good idea. Chris works to convince her
that while picking up rubbish might make things nicer to look at, she can make a bigger impact on helping
the environment by planting rain gardens.
Big Ideas:
 Planting rain gardens is helpful to the environment, because it helps rain water that comes from
impervious surfaces (roofs, asphalt, etc.) absorb back into the ground instead of carrying runoff
pollutants into the storm drains and then to lakes and streams.
 Actions like planting rain gardens have higher levels of environmental impact than picking up trash,
not that picking up litter isn’t important.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces Brittany that she should plant rain gardens:
 Because rain gardens filter runoff, reducing pollutants.
 Because rain gardens reduce runoff.
 Because litter is unsightly but does not necessarily impact lake health.
 Because phosphates get carried into the lake via runoff.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Rain garden*
 Runoff*
 Phosphate*
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Convince*
 Filter*
 Reduce*
 Pollutant*
 Character
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 8: Make the Lake Less Eutrophic
Summary:
Sneaky, sneaky Zib has been working behind the scenes to undermine all the hard work Chris has been
doing. It turns out that Zib LIKES a eutrophic lake, and he wants to have a eutrophic environment for
generations of muscrats. Chris turns the tables on Zib, and convinces him that he should be working
towards lake health, and that Zib's desires don't consider the health of the other living things that make up
the lake environment.
Big Ideas:
 There are many, many ways lake health can be supported. All require resources and/or groups
of people to make specific choices, from planting rain gardens to lobbying for government
support.
 Examples of things that support lake health include regulation of construction sites to prevent runoff
of pollutants, restoration of wetlands, and increasing fish stocking.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces the Zib that people should try to make the lake less eutrophic,
not more:
 Because eutrophic lakes are disgusting to swim in.
 Although eutrophic lakes are good for some species, like muskrats.
 Because eutrophic lakes smell terrible.
 Because eutrophic lakes are prone to algae blooms.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 Phosphate-fertilizer*
 Rain garden*
 Eutrophic*
 Species*
 Algae blooms*




Phosphate*
Limnologist*
Runoff*
Wetlands*
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Foretold*
 Interfere
 Illegal*
 Irreversibly
 Prone
 Alternative
 Peddling






Solution
Myriad
Restore*
Increase*
Stocking*
Resources
*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
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Argument 9: Help Restore the Wetlands
Summary:
Having saved the past and the future from the poor environmental choices of man and a particular furry
beast, Chris asks the Limnologist what he can do to further support the health of the lake ecosystem. The
Limnologist encourages Chris to become an advocate for funding and policy, and whisks Chris off to the
State Capitol, where a representative happens to be willing to talk to constituents. With one finale of
convincing skill, Chris argues for the restoration of the wetlands.
Big Ideas:
 The state and federal government have resources that can be used for supporting environmental
issues.
 Government money in large part comes from the taxes that citizens pay.
 Citizens have the right to lobby (or try to convince) government representatives to pay attention to
specific causes, such as supporting lake health.
Argument & Evidence:
Chris convinces the representative that the government needs to help restore the
wetlands.
 Because wetlands usually support diverse animal populations.
 Because wetlands can prevent flooding by taking on excess water.
 Because wetlands help to filter phosphates that would otherwise enter the
lake.
 Because wetlands reduce runoff that would otherwise enter the lake.
Content Vocabulary (Tier 3):
 State government
 Federal government
 Taxation
 Citizen
 Representative
Content-Supportive Vocabulary (Tier 2):
 Resources*
 Fund
 Restore (Restoration)*
 Coincidence
 Refereeing
 Debater
 Forewarned
 Convince*
 Propose
 Diverse
 Population*
 Prevent*
 Filter*
 Excess
 Argumentation*
 Foretold*
 Permanently
 Leverage
 Moratorium




Wetlands*
Phosphates*
Eutrophic*
Environmental (Environment)*

Steward*
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*Terms with a star are repeated from one or more previous arguments.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License