Constructing Scientific Explanations

Claim, evidence and reasoning…

How to write a good scientific explanationComponents• Make a claim about the problem.• Provide evidence for the claim.• Provide reasoning that links the evidence to the claim.

Qualities of the communication• Use precise and accurate scientific language.• Write clearly so that anyone interested in the explanation can

understand it.

Constructing a Scientific Explanation The question: Wha t type of ma ter i a l best con ducts electr i ci ty i n a complete ci rcu i t?

Claim(s) that answers the question… Evidence that supports your claim(s).

Explanation for your answer to the question = Claim + Evidence + Reasoning

My claim is ________________ because ___________________ (evidence + reasoning).

STOP AND JOT YOUR OWN RESPONSE…

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Constructing a Scientific Explanation The question: Wha t type of ma ter i a l best con d ucts electr i ci ty i n a complete ci rcu i t?

Claim(s) that answers the question… Evidence that supports your claim(s).

Explanation for your answer to the question = Claim + Evidence + Reasoning

My claim is ________________ because ___________________ (evidence + reasoning).

Turn and Talk…• Work with an elbow partner at your table to review your

response and your explanation for claims, evidence, and reasoning.

• Highlight each component of a scientifically oriented explanation.• Make a claim about the problem.• Provide evidence for the claim.• Provide reasoning that links the evidence to the claim.

PART TWO:DIPPING INTO THE RESEARCH

Common Core ELA Standards

K-12 Framework for

Science Education

Lesson Debrief• In your teams:

– Identify what reading strategies you used throughout this process.

– Identify writing strategies.– What scaffolding did we give you?

Dig into the 6-12 Literacy in Science standards

1. Identify the Common Core standards you think were addressed by this activity.

2. What was the purpose for reading/writing?

3. What reading or writing strategy did you use?

The Science and Engineering Practices

• Read Practices 7 and 8 starting on page 71

• Use the Note Taking Tool to answer the following questions:– How do the CCSS-ELA and the 2 practices from the

Framework complement and/or support one another?

– What are the implications for instruction in a science classroom experience or in a literacy classroom experience?

Planning for IntentionalityWhen you are planning for Science and STEM……………..

Don’t Forget…

• Science is the perfect partner for reading, writing, and communication (not to mention math and engineering)!

• An intentionally taught science lesson can support acquisition of standards in:– Framework for K-12 Science Education

• Science• Engineering

– CCSS • ELA• Math

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