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Understanding CER in Science Writing

The document introduces the claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER) structure for writing scientific explanations, using examples of how scientists would use CER to analyze data from the Curiosity Mars Rover and explain who someone's father is (as either an alien or human). CER involves making a claim, supporting it with appropriate scientific evidence, and providing reasoning for how the evidence justifies the claim based on scientific principles.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Observation,
  • Argument Structure,
  • Argumentation Skills,
  • Video Resources,
  • Interactive Learning,
  • Research Methods,
  • Numerical Data,
  • Collaborative Learning,
  • Evidence-Based Reasoning,
  • Data Tables
421 views12 pages

Understanding CER in Science Writing

The document introduces the claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER) structure for writing scientific explanations, using examples of how scientists would use CER to analyze data from the Curiosity Mars Rover and explain who someone's father is (as either an alien or human). CER involves making a claim, supporting it with appropriate scientific evidence, and providing reasoning for how the evidence justifies the claim based on scientific principles.

Uploaded by

api-306891613
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Observation,
  • Argument Structure,
  • Argumentation Skills,
  • Video Resources,
  • Interactive Learning,
  • Research Methods,
  • Numerical Data,
  • Collaborative Learning,
  • Evidence-Based Reasoning,
  • Data Tables

Claim, Evidence, & Reasoning

(CER)

Writing Scientific Explanation


Curiosity Mars Rover-
Let’s watch a video
● [Link]
● As you watch the video, keep the following questions in
mind.

1. What are these scientists curious about -- what do they


want to know?

2. What data will the rover collect?

3. How will this data help scientists answer their questions?


What is a Scientific
Explanation?
Claim Evidence Reasoning
Question: What do you want to know?
Claim:
• A statement that answers your question
Evidence for your claim:
● Scientific data that support the claim
● Data need to be appropriate (pictures, graphs, table)
● Observation

Reasoning (how your evidence justifies your claim):


• Based on scientific principles
• Each piece of evidence may have a different justification for
why it supports the claim
In class:
● When? We use CER-based narratives after
completing a lesson.
● Why? CER-based narratives allow you to make
connections between the lesson and the lab. Also,
learning how to write in science is very important to
your education as a whole.
● How? CER-based narratives are set up in a
paragraph form (usually 5-7 sentences in length).
There are times when it is necessary to include a data
table, graph, or picture in with your evidence.
My Dad’s a Space Alien
I have evidence that proves
my Dad’s a space alien.

He speaks a weird language.


He drinks green stuff.
He says he’s from Albuquerque (I’m not buying
it).
I mean, just look at him.
And one more thing. He has a space ship.

The evidence doesn’t lie.


My dad’s an alien.
Writing an Explanation
Question: …

Claim:

Evidence:

Reasoning:
…
Writing an Explanation
Question: Who is my Dad?

Claim:

My Dad’s a space alien

Evidence:
• He speaks a weird language
• He’s from Albuquerque
• He drinks green liquids
• He dresses funny
• He drives a spaceship

Reasoning:

The evidence doesn’t lie...


Writing an Explanation
Question: Who is my Dad?

Claim:

My Dad’s a space alien

Evidence: Reasoning:

• He speaks a weird language • Aliens are not from Earth so they have
their own language
• He’s from Albuquerque
• Some people believe that aliens have
landed in NM
• He drinks green liquids
• Which is why many aliens are seen with
green skin
• He dresses funny
• Aliens wear space suits for protection
• He drives a spaceship
• Aliens use spaceships to travel
Another example: Construct your C-E-R

Video #3
In your table group:
● Construct an argument around any topic you like.
● You will have 10 mins. total to write your argument.
● Data must be numerical
● Remember to link your data to your claim with reasoning!
● Write out your argument using C-E-R

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