C E R  (Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning)  Rubric

According to the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) model, an explanation consists of:

• A claim that answers the question

• Evidence from students’ data

• Reasoning that involves a rule or scientific principle that describes why the evidence supports the claim

Students might suggest this explanation: Air is matter (claim). We found that the weight of the ball increased each time we pumped more air into it (evidence). This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter (reasoning).

The explanation could be made more complete by including evidence and reasoning related to air taking up space.