A BEGINNER'S GUIDE
TO USING C-E-R IN
SCIENCE
What is C-E-R?
The C-E-R writing model (Claims, Evidence,
Reasoning) is a structured way to help students
learn to write and think scientifically.
Scientific writing is an important skill that
students often struggle with in the science
classroom. C-E-R is a great way for students to
make connections with science concepts and
classroom labs.
What does C-E-R stand for?
C - Claim
E- Evidence
R- Reason
C-E-R Graphic Organizer
Cheat Sheet
Question:
Claim: Answers the question that was asked.
Everything else proves your claim.
Evidence
This includes SCIENTIFIC DATA or DIRECT
DETAILS to support your claim.
Be sure to give enough evidence to
support your claim.
Data can be qualitative or quantitative.
Reason:
Explains " how" or "why" the evidence supports
the claim in your own words.
This is the scientific part that explains how the
claim and evidence tie together.
** This is the most difficult part for students!**
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C-E-R Graphic Organizer
Question:
Claim:
Evidence #1
Evidence #2
Evidence #1
Reason:
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C-E-R Graphic Organizer
Question:
Claim:
Evidence #1
Evidence #2
Evidence #3
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
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C-E-R Graphic Organizer
Using a non-scientific example is a great way to engage students and explain the
process in a relatable way. This sample uses the Audi commercial "My Dad is a
Space Alien." Answers may vary!
Question:
Who is my dad?
Claim:
Evidence #1
He speaks a weird
language.
Reason #1
This is important
because aliens are
not from Earth so
they do not speak
English.
My dad is a space alien.
Evidence #2
He dresses weird.
Reason #2
The evidence
suggests that
aliens wear space
suits since they are
from outer space
and need
protection to travel.
Evidence #1
He drinks green
liquids.
Reason #3
Some pictures
show aliens with
green skin. This
could be from
drinking green
liquids.
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Videos are a great way to
introduce and practice C-E-R.
Here are a few of my favorites that can be found on
YouTube.
Audi Commercial - My Dad is an Alien
Question: "Who is my dad?"
State Farm Commercial - Cheryl's She Shed?
Question "Who burned Cheryl's she shed"
Doritos Commercial - Dog Buries Cat
Question "What happened to the cat?"
Sentence Frames
Sentence frames can be helpful to scaffold instruction or to
provide differentiation for students who need more
support.
Evidence
The data shows.....
The text tells us that....
The author explains that....
Reasoning
The evidence suggests that.....
This is important because....
This shows that.....
Therefore.....
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5 Tips for Students Who
Struggle With C-E-R
1. Model the C-E-R process. Consider beginning with a nonscientific example, such as the Audi commercial. This will
increase engagement and students will be able to relate to
the subject matter.
2. Have students work in partners or small groups to
complete the graphic organizer.
3. Relate C-E-R to persuasive paragraph writing.
4. Consider having students complete the Claim and
Evidence independently. Work together as a class to
answer the reason.
5. Students most often struggle with the R (Reasoning)
a The R should answer the question "Why do you think
that?"
b. You may want to tell students to think of the "R" for
reason as the "rule" meaning the "scientific rule."
c. Ask "What did you learn about this topic that connects
with the evidence?"
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