Build writing into
science seamlessly with Claim-Evidence-Reasoning

At the heart of BrainPOP Science is a scaffolded CER writing process to guide students as they collect data about scientific concepts, processes, and their own discoveries—all while strengthening critical-thinking skills.

Request info

Key benefits of integrating writing with science

Students learn how to:

Absorb new content and concepts as they develop evidence-based claims.

Analyze, synthesize, and interpret data to construct well-reasoned arguments.

Become informed citizens and prepare for future careers by writing with confidence.

Bring writing and science together with CER

The embedded CER process in every investigation kicks off with a relatable guiding question and guides students through BrainPOP 3D Worlds™, simulations, and data manipulatives while they:

Develop claims to answer the overarching guiding questions.

Collect observations that will become evidence to support their claim.

Tie it all together by writing up their reasoning with scientific principles.

Guiding Question "How does CER support writing-to-learn in science instruction?”

1

Draft a claim

A strong claim should:

Answer the Guiding Question

Use facts from the resources

Form one complete sentence

Example: Students are supported with a built-in CER writing process while they analyze and interpret data, make evidence-based claims, and construct well-reasoned arguments—all while covering standards.

2

Select evidence

Good evidence should:

Support your claim

State facts (not opinions)

Describe something you read or observed

Students learn to organize their thoughts, create coherent arguments, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) included:

Writing standards are
covered including:

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Engaging in Argument
from Evidence

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.

Students learn how to collect and include data in writing persuasive scientific arguments.

Writing standards are
covered including:

Testimonials from teachers who use BrainPOP Science.

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

3

Review evidence

Students learn to organize their thoughts, create coherent arguments, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) included:

Writing standards are
covered including:

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Engaging in Argument
from Evidence

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Draft your reasoning

Good reasoning should:

Include scientific concepts and definitions

Connect your evidence to your claim

Example: CER scaffolds writing into science investigations to help students analyze, evaluate, and synthesize scientific information. Critical thinking, communication, and writing skills are all strengthened while deepening understanding of scientific concepts.

Q&A

How to implement CER for writing in science

How do I support my students in selecting quality evidence from their observations that relate to the claim?

Encourage students to collect their observations throughout the entire investigation with prompts and writing scaffolds like this CER checklist with examples.

Download CER checklist

How do I help my students understand the
difference between evidence and reasoning?

BrainPOP Science investigations include teacher guides with exemplars to model how reasoning involves a rule or scientific principle that describes why the evidence supports the claim.

Download sample guide

How can I help students avoid common mistakes in CER including not providing enough evidence or not adequately explaining how evidence supports their claim?

Provide ongoing feedback with opportunities for students to revise their writing. BrainPOP Science investigations include clickable CER rubrics with the option to include narrative feedback.

Go to sample investigation

Hear more from BrainPOP Science

I agree to receive occasional updates from BrainPOP

You can opt out of emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link. By submitting, I acknowledge that I agree to the Terms of Use and have read the Privacy Policy.