Writing to Explain C – E – R Model

1. Writing to Explain C – E – R Model Claim – Evidence – Reasoning

2. C-E-R in Science and Social Science Conclusion Writing( Claim – Evidence – Reasoning) • Claim: A conclusion that answers the original question • Evidence: Specific data that supports the claim. The data needs to be appropriate and sufficient to support the claim. • Reasoning: A justification that links the claim and evidence. It shows why the data count as evidence by using appropriate and sufficient scientific/social science principles. Department of Social Sciences

3. Observation vs. Inference—Definitions • Observation—Using all your senses (not just eyes) to collect and record information about our world. Observations = EVIDENCE • Inference—Using observations to reach a logical conclusions. Inferences= EXPLANATION • “An observation is what you see, feel, taste, hear or smell. An inference is what you think.” Bell, Randy, Teaching the Nature of Science Through Process Skills, Pearson Education, Inc., 2008, p. 41

4. Let’s Apply Inference/Observation Skills to Social Studies

5. Directions: Place an ‘I’ before the statements that are inferences and an ‘O’ before the statements that are observations OR you may wish to make a T-chart. 1. There are no women in the painting. 2. The men are signing some sort of document. 3. This is a very important event. 4. These men are very important people. 5. Some of the men are wearing wigs. 6. There is no electricity in the room. 7. The painting is depicting an event from long ago. 8. George Washington is one of the figures depicted in the painting. 9. The painter was present at this event when it was painted. 10. The majority of the men in the painting are paying attention to the person signing the document. 11. The men are wearing clothes that were worn during the time of the 1780’s. 12. Thomas Jefferson is one of the men depicted in the painting. 13. All of the men are pleased to be part of this event. 14. The impact of the signing of this document was huge on society. 15. It is important to sign documents.

6. Claim Evidence Reasoning Sample Student Response • Claim: An important event is being depicted in the painting. • Evidence: George Washington is considered an important figure in U.S. History and is shown as a central figure in the painting. • Reasoning: Since the central focus is on the signing of the document, it is reasonable to conclude that an important decision/event is being depicted. It is also reasonable to think that the signing of this paper or document has an important impact on society. Department of Social Sciences

7. Summation- 5 POINTS • Establish a learner-centered environment • Develop text talk methods with students • Increase student inquiry/communication skills • Encourage student self-assessment of process and content knowledge • Make claims that are supported by evidence, using science and/or social science concepts to provide reasoning

8. ELA Florida Standards- Literacy Supports -Content Area State Assessment Reasoning Sample Social Science Question A bill is a proposed or suggested law. Bills can be introduced by members of law making bodies, such as the U.S. Congress. Ideas are debated and others have to be convinced that your idea is good. A senator proposes a bill to eliminate federal income taxes. The senator stated during debate that if people had more money, the economy would grow and everyone would be better off and this was why he wanted to abolish the federal tax on people’s income. Below is a chart showing how many bills actually became law in Congress during various legislative sessions. Based on the information provided, answer the question that follows. • Number of laws passed each year by Congress since 1947. Average number of bills introduces to Congress: 10,000 to 11,000 annually. 2012: 61;2011: 90;2010: 258;2009: 125;2008: 280;2007: 180;2006: 313;2005: 169;2004: 300;2003: 198;2002: 241;2001: 136;2000: 410;1999: 170;1998: 241;1997: 153;1996: 245;1995: 88;1994: 255;1993: 210;1992: 347;1991: 243;1990: 410;1989: 240;1988: 473;1987: 240;1986: 424;1985: 240;1984: 408;1983: 215;1982: 328;1981: 145;1980: 426;1979: 187;1978: 411;1977: 223;1976: 383;1975: 205;1974: 404;1973: 245;1972: 383;1971: 224;1970: 505;1969: 190;1968: 391;1967: 391;1966: 461;1965: 349;1964: 408;1963: 258;1962: 484;1961: 401;1960: 417;1959: 383;1958: 620;1957: 316;1956: 638;1955: 390;1954: 492;1953: 288;1952: 339;1951: 255;1950: 481;1949: 440;1948: 511;1947: 395Source: House Clerk's Office evidence What is the chance that the senator’s bill will become a law? A. Very likely B. Somewhat likely Not likely Not at all claim

9. C-E-R: Let’s Practice: Look at this picture and generate a series of statements that you would use in class to increase students’ observational skills and ability to inference. C-E-R: Let’s Practice: Share your statements with the group and have group members declare the statement as an observation or inference.

10. Claim Evidence Reasoning Develop a Response • Claim: What are you claiming to be true about this image? • Evidence: What evidence from the image can you use to support this claim? • Reasoning: Describe in detail your reason(s) for why this evidence supports your claim. Department of Social Sciences

11. Claim Evidence Reasoning Not only useful with images • Using C-E-R’s: Claim- Evidence- Reasoning can also be useful to assist students to: • Prepare for a debate; • Prepare to write a persuasive or expository essay; • Justify/substantiate an answer on an informal/forma assessment; • Use complex text/difficult social science content in a new way- NOT- previously presented to students (making the student THINK!). • Can you think of other ways C-E-R’s can be used? Share accordingly. Department of Social Sciences

12. Questions and Answers Department of Social Sciences