Introduction to Scientific Arguments (Day 2)

Questions and Answers

What does the 'C' in CER represent?

Critique

Conclusion

Claim (correct)

Connection

What is an essential characteristic of a claim in a CER?

It includes supporting evidence.

It provides detailed explanations.

It connects evidence to science concepts.

It only restates the question for clarity. (correct)

Which of the following best describes evidence in a CER?

A summary of the conclusions drawn from the data.

Factual information used to support the claim. (correct)

A personal opinion based on assumptions.

An elaborate explanation of the scientific concepts.

What role does reasoning play in a CER?

It explains why the evidence supports the claim. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best illustrates a reasoning component?

This indicates that energy from breakfast enhances brain power. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the boiling water when the ice cube was added?

The water stopped boiling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the process of writing a scientific argument?

It is a structured approach including evidence and reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is mentioned as part of gathering evidence?

Observations and quantitative data. Signup and view all the answers

Which reasoning pattern would be used to strengthen a claim?

This claim is stronger because... Signup and view all the answers

What gases are released into the air by burning fossil fuels according to NASA data?

Carbon dioxide and methane. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Scientific Argumentation

CER stands for Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, forming a structured approach to scientific argumentation.
A scientific argument is opinion-based, firmly rooted in scientific evidence and reasoning.

Importance of CER

Scientific claims are never definitively "proven," but rather supported with evidence.
Using CER helps in structuring arguments in a clear format, suitable for paragraphs or reports.

Formatting a CER

Claim:
- Directly answers the question in a clear and concise statement.
- Should restate the question for clarity, usually kept to one sentence.
- Avoids the use of explanations, reasoning, or evidence.
Evidence:
- The factual information supporting the claim, described objectively.
- Types of evidence include observations, documented facts, and lab data/results.
Reasoning:
- Provides the rationale for why the evidence supports the claim.
- Connects evidence to relevant scientific concepts and explains its significance.

Activity on Identifying CER Components

Participants are encouraged to classify various statements as claim, evidence, or reasoning to enhance their understanding.

Writing a Scientific Argument: Step-by-Step Process

Annotate Governing Questions:
- Rewrite guiding questions to enhance clarity and focus.
Identify Scientific Concepts:
- Determine relevant science terminology to include based on previous coursework.
Gather Evidence:
- Reflect on prior knowledge and evidence related to the topic.
- Types of evidence considered include qualitative and quantitative data.
Structuring Reasoning:
- Formulate reasoning statements such as "If ____, then ..." and "This is important because ...".

Describing Evidence and Reasoning

Utilize phrases to articulate evidence and its relation to the claim, such as:
- "The evidence that supports my claim is ..."
- "Based on the evidence, I conclude that ...".
Highlight the strength or weakness of claims through supporting evidence.

Description

This quiz explores the process of writing a scientific argument using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework. You'll learn how to construct a well-supported opinion rooted in scientific evidence and concepts. Delve into the importance of effective scientific communication and argumentation in the scientific community.