C.E.R.C. EssayClaim ~ 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

writing in 3rd person!) - 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!