C.E.R.C . Essay

1. C.E.R.C. Essay Claim ~ Evidence ~ Reasoning ~ Conclusion Connections that yield Conclusions

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Paragraph #1 of a CERC Essay State the question being posed State the claim you are testing This should be 2-3 sentences long!

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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!

10. 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)

11. 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!