C E R C Essay Claim Evidence Reasoning

C. E. R. C. Essay Claim ~ Evidence ~ Reasoning ~ Conclusion Connections that yield Conclusions

QUESTION: �The scientific problem you are trying to answer • The scientific problem that drives all investigations and learning • Think about what you are trying to learn and understand • Consider the variables you are learning more about • What are you studying? What is the research/experiment about?

Question Example: � What is the effect of type of light on plant growth? • Think about what you are trying to learn and understand �We are trying to learn more about types of light and how they affect plant growth • Consider the variables you are learning more about �The variables are: type of light (IV) & plant growth (DV) • What are you studying? What is the research/experiment about? �We are studying how different types of light may increase or decrease how fast or how much a plant grows

CLAIM: �The statement or conclusion that answers the original question/problem • Consider the observations you already have • Consider the experimental and book research • Re-consider the variables and their relationship to each other • This is like your hypothesis ~ based on the available evidence

Claim Example: � What could YOU claim? Remember the original question: What is the effect of type of light on plant growth? • Consider the observations you already have • Consider the experimental and book research • Re-consider the variables and their relationship to each other

Paragraph #1 of a CERC Essay �State the question being posed �State the claim you are testing �This should be 2 -3 sentences long!

EVIDENCE: � The scientific data related/connected to the claim • Consider quantitative AND qualitative evidence • Consider the evidence that supports & denies the claim • Consider your experiment and the experiments completed by other qualified scientists • Include appropriate and relevant evidence to support your claim • Include enough evidence to be convincing ~ you should include a MINIMUM of TWO (2) pieces of evidence to demonstrate mastery. THREE (3) pieces of evidence is going above and beyond and could earn you a 4!

REASONING: �The justification that connects the evidence to the claim • Explain WHY the evidence is good evidence • Apply scientific thinking and reasoning to make the connections between the evidence and the claim • Explain if the claim is supported or denied based on each piece of evidence

Paragraphs #2 -3/4 of a CERC Essay � State each piece of evidence in its own paragraph. The evidence can support or deny the claim! � Explain the reasoning that supports each piece of evidence in the same paragraph! • Explain why this evidence is relevant and important • Explain the connection(s) between the evidence, the claim, and the question • This should be a well-developed paragraph of 4 -6 sentences that includes appropriate transition words!

CONCLUSION: �Wraps up the connections between the claim, the evidence, and the reasoning �Analyzes the validity, quality, and credibility of the evidence �Determines if the claim is accurate (supported or denied)

Paragraphs #4 or 5 of a CERC Essay � Restate the claim being discussed � State your opinion of the claim (being sure to keep the - is it a justified and accurate scientific statement? � Discuss the validity of the work being critiqued – is it reliable and trustworthy? � Discuss why the claim, evidence, and overall work is interesting to you. � Anything else to add? Insert it here! � This should be a well-developed paragraph of 4 -6 sentences! writing in 3 rd person!)