The Scientific Method – 7 Step Model

C.E.R.C. EssayClaim ~ Evidence ~ Reasoning ~ Conclusion

Connections that yield Conclusions to Questions

QUESTION: The scientific problem you are trying

to answer• The scientific problem that drives all

investigations and learning• Think about what you are trying to learn

and understand• Consider the variables you are learning

more about• What are you studying? What is the

research/experiment about?

CLAIM: The statement or conclusion that

answers the original question/problem

• Consider the observations you already have• Consider the experimental and book

research• Re-consider the variables and their

relationship to each other• This is like your hypothesis ~ based on the

available evidence

Question & Claim Example:

Who killed a recently divorced woman who was found murdered in her home?

The woman’s ex-husband killed her.

Introduction to a CERC Essay

State the question being posed State the claim you are testing or

investigating This should be 2-3 sentences long!

EVIDENCE: The scientific data related/connected to the

claim• Consider quantitative AND qualitative evidence• Consider the evidence that supports & denies

the claim• Consider your experiment and the experiments

completed by other qualified scientists• Include appropriate and relevant evidence to

support your claim• Include enough evidence to be convincing ~ you

should include THREE (3) pieces of evidence to demonstrate mastery.

REASONING: The justification that connects the

evidence to the claim• Explain WHY the evidence is good evidence• Apply scientific thinking and reasoning to

make the connections between the evidence and the claim

• Explain if the claim is supported or denied based on each piece of evidence

Evidence & Reasoning Example #1

The ex-husband’s fingerprints were found all around the home they used to share.• Are fingerprints good evidence?

YES, they can only connect ONE person to the crime!

• In this situation, are fingerprints good evidence to support the claim? NO, the ex-husband used to live in this house

with her!

Evidence & Reasoning Example #2

The ex-husband’s fingerprints were found all around the apartment where the woman lived after the divorce.• Are fingerprints good evidence?

YES, they can only connect ONE person to the crime!

• In this situation, are fingerprints good evidence to support the claim? YES, the fingerprints place the ex-husband her

home where he never lived.

Evidence & Reasoning Example #3

The ex-husband’s car was seen leaving the woman’s apartment complex.• Is the presence of his car at her home good

evidence? MAYBE…did they have kids that were visiting him

and he was dropping them off? OR was there no reason for him to be there? In this situation, is the presence of his car at her home good evidence to support the claim?

MAYBE…was he driving it? Did he have reason to be there? Was there an eye-witness or a video recording?

Body of a CERC Essay State each piece of evidence in its own

sentence/section. The evidence can support or deny the claim!

Explain the reasoning that supports each piece of evidence in the same paragraph!• Explain why this evidence is relevant and important• Explain the connection(s) between the evidence, the

claim, and the question• This should be a well-developed section of 3-4

sentences per piece of evidence that includes appropriate transition words! (Also, However, Furthermore, etc.)

CONCLUSION: Wraps up the connections between

the claim, the evidence, and the reasoning

Analyzes the validity, quality, and credibility of the evidence

Determines if the claim is accurate (supported or denied)

Ending of a CERC Essay

State your opinion of the claim (being sure to keep the writing in 3rd person!).

• Is it a justified and accurate scientific statement? OR Is it unjustified and inaccurate?

Discuss the validity of the work being critiqued – is it reliable and trustworthy?

Discuss why the claim, evidence, and overall work is interesting to you or other scientists.

This should be a well-developed ending to your essay including 3-4 sentences!