What is it?

According to the CER model, an explanation consists of:

1. A claim that answers the question

2. Evidence from students' data

3. Reasoning that involves a "rule" or scientific principle that describes why the evidence supports the claim

 

 

Example

Is air matter?

We can ask our students what data they need to answer the question, and how they can collect that data -- how they can investigate. Students will need to determine if air has mass and/or takes up space. Perhaps they'll suggest that they weigh a basketball multiple times as they use a pump to add more air. Once students conduct the investigation and have data, they can create an explanation. 

But what does a good explanation look like?

Air is matter (claim). We found that the weight of the ball increases each time we pumped more air into it (evidence). This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter (reasoning).

 

Test Yourself

By watching the following Audi commercial, can you identify the claim, the evidence, and the reasoning – or rule – that connects the evidence to the little girl's claim that her dad is a space alien?