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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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