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!** (C) Beakers and Ink C-E-R Graphic Organizer Question: Claim: Evidence #1 Evidence #2 Evidence #1 Reason: (C) Beakers and Ink C-E-R Graphic Organizer Question: Claim: Evidence #1 Evidence #2 Evidence #3 Reason #1 Reason #2 Reason #3 (C) Beakers and Ink 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. (C) Beakers and Ink 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..... (C) Beakers and Ink 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?" (C) Beakers and Ink