1. Writing to Explain C – E – R Model
Claim – Evidence – Reasoning
Social Science Presenters:
Inform participants that another example of a reading strategy useful to master content is the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning- strategy or CER.

2. Department of Social Sciences
C-E-R in Science and Social Science Conclusion Writing ( Claim – Evidence – Reasoning)
Claim: A conclusion that answers the original question
Evidence: Specific data that supports the claim. The data needs to be appropriate and sufficient to support the claim.
Reasoning: A justification that links the claim and evidence. It shows why the data count as evidence by using appropriate and sufficient scientific/social science principles.
Social Science Presenters:
Go over what each portion of the CER means- read the slide accordingly.
Department of Social Sciences

3. Observation vs. Inference—Definitions
Observation—Using all your senses (not just eyes) to collect and record information about our world.
Observations = EVIDENCE
Inference—Using observations to reach a logical conclusions.
Inferences = EXPLANATION
“An observation is what you see, feel, taste, hear or smell. An inference is what you think.”
Bell, Randy, Teaching the Nature of Science Through Process Skills, Pearson Education, Inc., 2008, p. 41
Social Science Presenters:
The colors and wording in this slide feed into the next slide.

4. Let’s Apply Inference/Observation Skills to Social Studies
Social Science Presenters:
Ask participants to view this image. They should be making observations/inferences according to EVIDENCE in the painting.

5. 1. There are no women in the painting.
Directions: Place an ‘I’ before the statements that are inferences and an ‘O’ before the statements that are observations OR you may wish to make a T-chart.
1. There are no women in the painting.
2. The men are signing some sort of document.
3. This is a very important event.
4. These men are very important people.
5. Some of the men are wearing wigs.
6. There is no electricity in the room.
7. The painting is depicting an event from long ago.
8. George Washington is one of the figures depicted in the painting.
9. The painter was present at this event when it was painted.
10. The majority of the men in the painting are paying attention to the person signing the document.
11. The men are wearing clothes that were worn during the time of the 1780’s.
12. Thomas Jefferson is one of the men depicted in the painting.
13. All of the men are pleased to be part of this event.
14. The impact of the signing of this document was huge on society.
15. It is important to sign documents.
Social Science Presenters:
Read each statement- have participants respond together if the statement is an inference or an observation.

6. Claim Evidence Reasoning Sample Student Response
Claim: An important event is being depicted in the painting.
Evidence: George Washington is considered an important figure in U.S. History and is shown as a central figure in the painting.
Reasoning: Since the central focus is on the signing of the document, it is reasonable to conclude that an important decision/event is being depicted. It is also reasonable to think that the signing of this paper or document has an important impact on society.
Social Science Presenters:
Explain to participants that if in both science and social studies the same methodology/ or practice is used, the likelihood that skill level acquisition occurs is greater. Share this CER as an end product example after the inference and observation was completed about the painting.
Note that evidence is strictly observations
Inferences are in claim and reasoning
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7. Summation- 5 POINTS Establish a learner-centered environment
Develop text talk methods with students
Increase student inquiry/communication skills
Encourage student self-assessment of process and content knowledge
Make claims that are supported by evidence, using science and/or social science concepts to provide reasoning
Social Science Presenters:
Explain to participants that in summation- these 4 main points are what we want to see in social science and science classrooms.

8. ELA Florida Standards- Literacy Supports -Content Area State Assessment
Reasoning
Sample Social Science Question
A bill is a proposed or suggested law. Bills can be introduced by members of law making bodies, such as the U.S. Congress. Ideas are debated and others have to be convinced that your idea is good.
A senator proposes a bill to eliminate federal income taxes. The senator stated during debate that if people had more money, the economy would grow and everyone would be better off and this was why he wanted to abolish the federal tax on people’s income. Below is a chart showing how many bills actually became law in Congress during various legislative sessions. Based on the information provided, answer the question that follows.
Number of laws passed each year by Congress since Average number of bills introduces to Congress: 10,000 to 11,000 annually : 61;2011: 90;2010: 258;2009: 125;2008: 280;2007: 180;2006: 313;2005: 169;2004: 300;2003: 198;2002: 241;2001: 136;2000: 410;1999: 170;1998: 241;1997: 153;1996: 245;1995: 88;1994: 255;1993: 210;1992: 347;1991: 243;1990: 410;1989: 240;1988: 473;1987: 240;1986: 424;1985: 240;1984: 408;1983: 215;1982: 328;1981: 145;1980: 426;1979: 187;1978: 411;1977: 223;1976: 383;1975: 205;1974: 404;1973: 245;1972: 383;1971: 224;1970: 505;1969: 190;1968: 391;1967: 391;1966: 461;1965: 349;1964: 408;1963: 258;1962: 484;1961: 401;1960: 417;1959: 383;1958: 620;1957: 316;1956: 638;1955: 390;1954: 492;1953: 288;1952: 339;1951: 255;1950: 481;1949: 440;1948: 511;1947: 395 Source: House Clerk's Office
evidence
Social Science Presenters:
Here is a sample of another way to look at the CER- every time we are answering a question we are essentially providing reasoning for claims.
What is the chance that the senator’s bill will become a law?
A. Very likely
B. Somewhat likely
Not likely
Not at all
claim

9. C-E-R: Let’s Practice: Look at this picture and generate a series of statements that you would use in class to increase students’ observational skills and ability to inference.
Social Science Presenters:
Have participants look at this picture and create their own inference and observation questions. Share accordingly.
C-E-R: Let’s Practice: Share your statements with the group and have group members declare the statement as an observation or inference.

10. Claim Evidence Reasoning Develop a Response
Claim: What are you claiming to be true about this image?
Evidence: What evidence from the image can you use to support this claim?
Reasoning: Describe in detail your reason(s) for why this evidence supports your claim.
Social Science Presenters:
Have participants use the hand out and write their own CER about the image.
Department of Social Sciences

11. Claim Evidence Reasoning Not only useful with images
Using C-E-R’s: Claim- Evidence- Reasoning can also be useful to assist students to:
Prepare for a debate;
Prepare to write a persuasive or expository essay;
Justify/substantiate an answer on an informal/forma assessment;
Use complex text/difficult social science content in a new way- NOT- previously presented to students (making the student THINK!).
Can you think of other ways C-E-R’s can be used? Share accordingly.
Social Science Presenters:
Since images were used, it is important to note that the use of images is not the ONLY way to use a CER.
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12. Department of Social Sciences
Questions and
Answers
Department of Social Sciences
Science and Social Science Presenters:
Take questions and provide answers accordingly.