Rubric for Scientific Explanation: Claim Evidence Reasoning writing
CER is used to discuss a lab or activity where you have collected information and can make a statement
about this information.
Parts of Writing
Claim
A sentence or
sentences that
respond to the
question or problem
you were asked.
Evidence
Scientific data you
collected that
supports your claim
(not always numbers).
Reasoning
The scientific idea you
learned about the
shows why your data
is correct.
3 points
Sentence makes an
accurate claim about
the question being
asked.
2 points
Sentence make a claim but
fails to connect to the
question being asked.
0 points
No claim made or
incorrect information
is discussed.
Provides appropriate
and sufficient evidence
to support the claim.
Provides evidence but it is
not related to the claim.
Does not provide any
evidence about the
claim.
Discusses the scientific
learning that is related
to the data. Discusses
how the data is related
to the scientific
learning.
Discusses learning but the
learning or idea is not
related to the data
collected in the lab.
Does not connect the
data to any types of
learning that has been
discussed.
Your CER must include the following:
~~Capital letters and punctuation in each sentence
~~Must be able to read
Example of a proficient CER writing:
Question: How can you tell if a substance is ionic or covalent?
Claim: Elements can be defined as either ionic or covalent based on their location on the periodic table.
Evidence: In this lab there are two compounds that are ionic. The ionic compounds are NaCl and SrCl2.
In this lab was one compound that was covalent. This compound was C6H12O6.
Reasoning: Ionic bonds are when two elements give or take electrons. This makes them ions. They are a
bond between a metal and a nonmetal. These elements are can be found on either side of the periodic
table. So, take one from the left and one from the right. Covalent bonds are when two elements share
electrons. They are bonds between two nonmetals. So, both elements must come from the left side of the
periodic table. So, if you know the formula for a compound you can tell if it is ionic or covalent based on
it’s location on the periodic table.