CER:
CLAIM, EVIDENCE, REASONING
Biology Notes
SCIENCE IS ABOUT EXPLAINING THE
WORLD AROUND US.

Scientific Explanations consists of:
 Claim- a statement or conclusion that answer the
original problem or question.
 Evidence- scientific data that supports the claim.
Typically 2-4pieces of evidence should be used to
support your claim.
 Reasoning- justification for why the evidence
supports the claim using scientific principles.
LET’S PRACTICE
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION USING CER:

Who is the greatest NFL Quarterback ever?
Source: http://www.nfl.com/qs/tombrady2012/index.jsp
CLAIM:
TOM BRADY IS THE GREATEST NFL
QUARTERBACK OF ALL TIME.
As a group, examine the facts provided.
 Select 3-4 facts that support the above claim.
 As a group complete the evidence and reason
sections of your worksheet.

Be sure to write in complete sentences.
 Write the evidence section as a paragraph that flows.
 Make sure you do not repeat your claim. Instead,
explain why the evidence supports that claim.

EXAMPLE CLAIM
Please read the example CER provided and
answer the questions.
 When you are finished, be ready to share your
responses with the class.

SCIENCE IS ABOUT EXPLAINING THE
WORLD AROUND US.

Scientific Explanations consists of:
 Claim- a statement or conclusion that answer the original
problem or question.
 Evidence- scientific data that supports the claim.

EVIDENCE SHOULD BE:
 Appropriate- data needs to be relevant and
support the claim.

Sufficient- enough data needs to be researched
or collected to support the claim. Typically 24pieces of evidence should be used to support
your claim.
 Reasoning- justification for why the evidence supports
the claim using scientific principles.