HHE-CER Argument Writing

HHE-Claim-Evidence-Reasoning

How to write an amazing argument

Unit Question

How is it possible to charge electrical devices when the power is out?

Remember, as student energy scientists this the phenomenon we are investigating.

Scientific Argumentation:

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER)

• It is the way that scientists communicate, evaluate, and revise their explanations about the natural world.

• Scientists ask questions and make observations. Then, when they think they have an idea about how something works, they make an argument to support that idea. 

Argument Resources

On the next 5 slides you can see many of the Argumentation Resources we will use this year. 

Take a minute to look at the resources. You will use them later. 

Scientific Argument

It's purpose is to convince others using Evidence (data) & Reasoning (the how and why).

Use this to write a CER argument

1. Begin with the question & state your claim which answers the question.

2. Discuss evidence (be specific) that supports the claim.

3. Explain how the evidence supports the claim (reasoning-include Key Concepts).

4. Summarize the claim (again).

Open Ended

The purpose of a scientific argument is to convince others using evidence and reasoning.

Question: How do YOU use argumentation in your everyday life? Give an example of a good argument you've been in. How do you know you were right?

Here are some examples of questions scientists might ask:

Multiple Choice

What is a proposed answer to a question about the natural world called?

• Evidence

• Claim

• Reasoning

Multiple Choice

What is information about the natural world that is used to support a claim known as?

• Evidence

• Claim

• Reasoning

Multiple Choice

What is the the process of making clear how your evidence supports your claim known as?

• Evidence

• Claim

• Reasoning

Look at the Question, Claim, & Evidence about cola.

Answer this on next slide:

Is this argument convincing?

Multiple Choice

Is the argument on the previous slide convincing?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

What is the argument missing to make it stronger?

• Claim

• Evidence

• Reasoning

Poll

Does this activity help you have a better understanding of how to write CER arguments well?

• Yes

• No