1. “My Dad’s a Space Alien”
A Writing Exercise
Using the
Claim-Evidence-Reasoning
Model

2. Claim Claim –A statement about the hypothesis.
You must choose a “side”.
In this clip, listen for what the little girl “claims” to be true about her Dad.

3. Evidence
Evidence -Summarize test results or gathered data from direct observations.
You must ALWAYS refer to the data.
What does the little girl list as evidence?

4. Reasoning
Reasoning -Why this is a reasonable explanation for your claim.
You may make inferences at this point if they are evidence-based.
Make a clear connection to your evidence.

5. My Dad’s a Space Alien Option 1: Click link below for a direct link
+an+alien+car+
Option 2: go to
Search Audi ‘My Dad’s a Space Alien”

6. Claim My Dad is a Space Alien.
In this clip, what does the little girl “claim” to be true about her Dad?
She claims:
My Dad is a Space Alien.

7. Evidence What does the little girl list as evidence?
He speaks a weird language.
He drinks green stuff.
He says he is from Albuquerque.
He wears cycling gear.
He has a space ship.

8. Reasoning
Why are all these pieces of evidence reasonable to the little girl in the video?

9. What is a counter claim?
A counter claim is an opposing viewpoint to that of your initial claim.
Write a counter claim for her Dad being a space alien.

10. Counter claims need rebuttals.
Rebuttals are facts that oppose the evidence one piece at a time.
What rebuttals can you provide for each piece of the little girl’s evidence that her Dad is a space alien?

11. Reasoning for a counter claim.
Why is it reasonable that her Dad is NOT a space alien?
Consider her point of view, then answer: Why would she think that he is?

12. Extension
How can your point of view interfere with your ability to complete an unbiased investigation?
Can you think of a time this has happened to you?
How could you use claims and counter claims to make sure you are considering all sides?