Grade: Grade 5 Subject: Science Unit: Matter Properties Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Science

Claim-Evidence Writing: Matter Properties

Learn to write scientific arguments about the properties of matter!

The CER Framework

C-E-R: Claim - Evidence - Reasoning

Claim: A statement that answers a scientific question

Evidence: Data or observations that support your claim

Reasoning: Explains HOW your evidence supports your claim using scientific principles

Example CER About Matter

Question: Is ice melting a physical or chemical change?

Claim: Ice melting is a physical change.
Evidence: When ice melts, it changes from solid to liquid water. The water can be refrozen back into ice. No new substance is created.
Reasoning: In physical changes, matter changes form but not composition. Since water molecules remain H2O whether frozen or liquid, and the change is reversible, melting is a physical change. Chemical changes would create new substances that cannot easily change back.
Tip: Your reasoning should connect your evidence to scientific concepts you've learned!

Practice Questions

Question 1

What is the purpose of the "Claim" in CER?

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To state your answer to the scientific question

The claim is a clear statement that can be supported with evidence.

Question 2

Which is better evidence: "The metal felt hot" or "The thermometer showed the metal was 85°C"?

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The thermometer reading (85°C)

Specific measurements are stronger evidence than personal observations.

Question 3

Write a claim answering: "Does salt dissolve in water?"

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Example: Salt dissolves in water.

The claim should clearly state your answer.

Question 4

What makes good scientific evidence?

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Specific observations, measurements, or data from experiments

Evidence should be factual and measurable, not opinions.

Question 5

What is the purpose of "Reasoning" in CER?

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To explain HOW the evidence supports the claim using scientific knowledge

Reasoning connects evidence to scientific principles.

Question 6

Is this a claim or evidence? "Water boils at 100°C."

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This could be evidence

It's a specific fact/measurement that could support a claim about water's properties.

Question 7

Write evidence for this claim: "Heating water causes evaporation."

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Example: When we heated 100mL of water in a beaker for 10 minutes, the water level decreased to 85mL and we saw steam rising.

Question 8

Why must reasoning include scientific principles?

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To show you understand WHY the evidence supports your claim

Anyone can state facts, but reasoning shows scientific understanding.

Question 9

What's wrong with this reasoning? "The ice melted because it got warm."

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It doesn't explain the science

Better: "Heat energy caused water molecules to move faster, breaking the bonds that held them in solid form."

Question 10

Put these in order: Evidence, Reasoning, Claim

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Claim, Evidence, Reasoning

C-E-R: State your claim, provide evidence, then explain reasoning.

Key Takeaways

Claim

Answer the question clearly

Evidence

Use data and observations

Reasoning

Connect to scientific concepts

Be Specific

Use numbers and details