Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Explanation and Rubric (Assignment)

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Explanation and Rubric In the course we will answer some biology related questions in an essay format. We will use the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) writing strategy to help you make connections between the questions being asked, the answer, the evidence to support our answers, and our science reasoning and logic. The CER method supports analytical thinking and research-based writing and provides a formula and clear writing strategy for answering science questions. The goal is to support our clear and direct communication about science concepts. Our CER exercises will always start with a Question related to science and biology. The question will relate to the course content and require an answer that incorporates what you are learning in the course. It is important to restate the question being asked to clarify your own thoughts and frame your answer. A Claim is a conclusion that answers the original question. The claim is the argument, stance, or main idea that directly addresses the question, topic, or theme. It is a single and direct statement that answers the question. Often the claim will incorporate part of the original question. The claim needs to be accurate and complete. Evidence is the scientific data or information that supports the claim made in the claim sentence. Evidence is the logic, proof, or support that you have for your claim. Evidence needs to be specific and can be quantitative, qualitative or both. Evidence can take a variety of forms: research, facts, observations, lab experiments, or even quotes from interviews or authorities. If it relates to the content of this course, your evidence may be from the biology facts and theories you have learned and the exercises from class and lab. Evidence has to be appropriate and sufÏcient to address your claim. Did you give several examples to support your claim? Did you provide the relevant facts? Does your evidence support your claim? Reasoning is the explanation of the underlying science principles and why and how the evidence supports the claim. Reasoning is the thinking behind the evidence that led to the claim. Think of this as the section that "connects the dots." The reasoning is the explanation of the evidence and how each piece of evidence supports your claim. Claims, Evidence and Reasoning Rubric Question The topic, theme or question that is being addressed Does not provide Incorrectly states the question. question. (0 points) (0 points) Does not make a claim. Makes an inaccurate claim. (0 points) (0 points) Makes an incomplete or partial question. (1 point) Accurately states the question, theme or topic. (2 points) Claim A conclusion that answers the original question. The answer is a single complete sentence and it incorporates part of the question. Evidence Scientific data that supports the claim. The data needs to be appropriate and sufÏcient to support the claim. Evidence is Does not provide inappropriate or it evidence. does not support the claim. (0 points) (0 points) Reasoning A justification that links the claim to the evidence. It shows why the data counts as evidence by using appropriate scientific principles. Does not include reasoning. (0 points) Makes an accurate, but incomplete claim. (1 point) Provides appropriate, but insufÏcient evidence. May include some inappropriate evidence. (1-2 points) Makes an accurate and complete claim. (2 points) Provides appropriate and sufÏcient evidence to support claim. (3 points) Provides partial reasoning Provides accurate and that links claims to evidence. complete reasoning Reasoning is not that links evidence to Repeats evidence and/or appropriate or does the claim. includes some scientific not link the claim to principles, but not sufÏcient the evidence. Includes appropriate to address Claim and sufÏcient scientific (0 points) principles. (1-2 points). (3 Points)