Thinking and Writing Like a Scientist: Claims Evidence Reasoning - CER Introduction to CER

Department of Mathematics and Science Think About This !! Question: Who is the most popular pop singer right now? Claim: Beyonce, Rhianna, Drake, Taylor Swift Evidence: Number of Album sales, followers on twitter, awards. Reasoning: Who has the most. Department of Mathematics and Science

Claim Evidence Reasoning CER Claim: (The answer to the question) Evidence: (All the evidence you gathered from hands-on investigations, readings, videos, etc. ) The evidence includes the clues: the observations made and the data collected. Reasoning: (Why you think the answer is correct.) The reasoning explains how the evidence helps answer the question. CER Anchor Chart Division of Academics – Department of Science

How could we change this Lab so that it proves the Law of Conservation of Matter? View the Baking Soda/Vinegar lab video clip Instructional Approach(s): The students should conduct the Law of Conservation of Matter Lab (see the curriculum map) or the teacher can demonstrate the lab. If it is not possible to conduct the lab, show the video clip of a similar lab. After conducting the lab or watching the video, ask the students what they think the Law of Conservation of Matter says and why based on the lab. If students need help drawing conclusions based on the lab, ask “What does Conservation mean?” and use the word conservation to facilitate the conversation

Observation Lab: Space Case Materials- up turned glass, paper, beaker of water. Observation 1: Observation 2: 1. How do the observations prove that air has Volume? Instructional Approach(s): teacher demonstration or student activity showing matter takes up space even if you cannot see it (see the Space Case link on the curriculum map for more details)

Division of Academics – Department of Science Writing Scaffolds Sentence Starters: Writing Words: My evidence to support my claim is… The data… According to the text… On page ___, it said … The author wrote… For instance… From the reading, I know that… The graphic showed… For example… My evidence supports my claim because… My claim is true because… “Uncertainty” words: usually, generally, suggests, indicates Sequencing words: first, second, third, Next, last Therefore Because If… Then… However CER Anchor Charts Division of Academics – Department of Science

Claims Evidence Reasoning Remember When you make a scientific explanation, be sure to include: 1. The question you will answer. The evidence that helps  answer your question. Your claim or what you think the answer is. Your reasoning or why you think the answer is correct. CER anchor chart Division of Academics – Department of Science