Understanding the CER Framework

Mr. McCuan explains how to use claim, evidence, and reasoning to create a scientific explanation. He discusses the importance of each component, using the example of how the moon's mass affects orbits. The video covers formulating a claim, providing evidence, and explaining reasoning, culminating in writing a clear scientific explanation.

What is the primary purpose of using Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) in scientific explanations?

• To make scientific explanations more entertaining

• To provide a structured approach to scientific explanations

• To confuse the reader with complex terminology

• To avoid using data in explanations

In the context of CER, what does a 'claim' represent?

• A random guess without any basis

• A statement believed to be true, answering a specific question

• A statement that is assumed to be false

• A question that needs to be answered

How does the example of the moon's mass relate to the concept of a claim?

• It proves that claims do not need evidence

• It indicates that claims are only about the moon

• It demonstrates how a claim can be a simple answer to a question

• It shows that claims are always incorrect

What role does evidence play in the CER framework?

• It is irrelevant to the claim

• It contradicts the claim

• It is used to confuse the reader

• It provides observations that support the claim

Which of the following is an example of evidence from the moon's mass simulation?

• The moon's mass is irrelevant to the system

• The moon collided with the planet when its mass was changed to 90

• The moon's mass does not affect orbits

• The moon's mass is always constant

How does reasoning connect evidence to a claim in the CER framework?

• By ignoring the evidence

• By explaining how the evidence supports the claim

• By providing unrelated information

• By contradicting the evidence

What is an example of reasoning in the context of the moon's mass affecting orbits?

• The moon's mass does not affect orbits

• The moon's mass affects orbits because it changes the gravitational pull

• The moon's mass is always constant

• The moon's mass is irrelevant to the system

What is the final step in writing a scientific explanation using CER?

• Avoiding the use of reasoning

• Writing a paragraph that integrates claim, evidence, and reasoning

• Ignoring the evidence

• Making a random guess

Why is prewriting important in the CER process?

• It confuses the writer

• It is unnecessary and can be skipped

• It helps organize thoughts before writing the final explanation

• It is only used for entertainment

What should be reviewed to improve the final scientific explanation?

• The color of the paper

• The vocabulary and data table

• The font size

• The length of the explanation