Claim + Evidence + Reasoning = Explanation

Claim +

Evidence +

Reasoning = Explanation

Open Ended

Identify the claim, the evidence, and the reasoning—or rule—that connects the evidence to the little girl’s claim that her dad is a space alien.

CER Model

Format

• A claim that answers the question

• Evidence from students’ data

• Reasoning that involves a rule or scientific principle that describes why the evidence supports the claim

CER Model

Example

• Air is matter (claim). We found that the weight of the ball increased each time we pumped more air into it (evidence). This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter (reasoning).

The explanation could be made more complete by including evidence and reasoning related to air taking up space.

CER Model

Think about these questions as you watch the video on the next slide.

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—make claims about—their questions?

Open Ended

What are these scientists curious about—what do they want to know?

Open Ended

What data will the rover collect?

Open Ended

How will this data help scientists answer—make claims about—their questions?

Open Ended

Data (Observations)

What do you observe in this graph?

Open Ended

Claim

What does this graph show?

Open Ended

Evidence (from your data)

Open Ended

Reasoning (connect evidence to claim)