How it works
A claim evidence reasoning graphic organizer turns the results of a lab into a short scientific argument. Fill it in once the data are in, and the boxes, read in order, make a conclusion for the lab report.
Read the full guide
Evidence or opinion?
Write the observation itself, and give a measurement its number and unit. “The magnet lifted the nail” is evidence. “Magnets are strong” is an opinion and stays off the sheet. Two pieces that agree make a stronger case than one, which is why the opening sheet has two boxes.
Stuck on the reasoning?
Ask which idea from the unit explains the result. In a classroom, the reasoning is often the concept the class has just learned. Write that idea first, then a sentence that ties it to the evidence. The reasoning builder gives each a box of its own.
- A claim needs no because. The explanation waits for the reasoning box.
- Evidence that goes against the claim still counts. Write it down, and change the claim if it outweighs the rest.
Questions and answers
What does CER stand for in science?
Claim, evidence, reasoning. A NASA lesson calls it a structure that guides students to write a scientific argument, so a CER graphic organizer is a page with a box for each of the three parts.
What is the difference between evidence and reasoning?
Evidence is the data: what was observed or measured. Reasoning is the science behind it, a definition, a concept or a law, together with an explanation of how that idea links the evidence to the claim.
What are sentence starters for claim, evidence and reasoning?
The sentence starter sheet prints three: The data show that, I also observed that, and This supports the claim because. The claim box is left open.
What grade is claim, evidence, reasoning for?
The National Research Council’s science framework says young students can begin by arguing for their own reading of what they observe. In grades 6 to 8, the Common Core asks for claims in science writing backed by logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence.