The Scientific Method 7 Step Model C E

The Scientific Method – 7 Step Model

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

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 • Example “Does (IV…) cause (DV…)? ”

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 • Example: “I predict/think/believe that (……. ) because……”

Question & Claim Example: �Did a meteor strike cause the eventual extinction of the dinosaurs? �I predict that a large meteor strike did cause the extinction of the dinosaurs because……

Introduction to a CERC Essay �State the question being posed �State the claim you are testing or investigating �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 THREE (3) pieces of evidence to demonstrate mastery.

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

Evidence & Reasoning Example #1 A suspected murder’s fingerprints were found all around the home (crime scene) • Are fingerprints good evidence? • In this situation, are fingerprints good evidence to support the claim? Why/why not?

Evidence & Reasoning Example #2 �Fossil evidence shows that dinosaurs died within a few hundred years of evidence of a large meteor impact… • Are fossils good evidence? • They can tell us how old the bones/imprints/etc are • In this situation, are fossils good evidence? �Does their apparent age match the physical remains of a meteor and when it struck? Which came first?

Body of a CERC Essay � State each piece of evidence in its own sentence/section. 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 section of 3 -4 sentences per piece of evidence that includes appropriate transition words! (Also, However, Furthermore, etc. )

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)

Ending of a CERC Essay � State your opinion of the claim (being sure to keep the writing in 3 rd person!). • Is it a justified and accurate scientific statement? OR Is it unjustified and inaccurate? � 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 or other scientists. � This should be a well-developed ending to your essay including 3 -4 sentences!