Key benefits of integrating
writing with science
Students learn how to:
Become informed citizens and prepare for future careers by writing with confidence.
Analyze, synthesize, and interpret data to construct well-reasoned arguments.
Absorb new content and concepts as they develop evidence-based claims.
BrainPOP Science is proven to accelerate evidence-based writing and reasoning skills.
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:
Bring writing and science together with CER
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
Form one complete sentence
Use facts from the resources
Answer the Guiding Question
A strong claim should:
Draft a claim
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.
How to implement CER for writing in science
Q&A
Good reasoning should:
Include scientific concepts and definitions
Connect your evidence to your claim
Draft your reasoning
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.
Students learn to organize their thoughts, create coherent arguments, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) included:
-
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
-
Engaging in Argument
from Evidence
-
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Writing standards are
covered including:
-
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.
Writing standards are
covered including:
-
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.
Students learn how to collect and include data in writing persuasive scientific arguments.
Testimonials from teachers who use BrainPOP Science.
Describe something you read or observed
State facts (not opinions)
Support your claim
Good evidence should:
2
Select evidence
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.
A
Q
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:
-
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
-
Engaging in Argument
from Evidence
-
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Writing standards are
covered including:
-
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.
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.
A
Q
Hear more from BrainPOP Science
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.
A
Q