Download Data Versus Evidence

Explaining Scientific Phenomena
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER)
• an explanation consists
of:
– A claim that answers the
question
– Evidence from data
– Reasoning that involves
a "rule" or scientific
principle that describes
why the evidence
supports the claim
Example of an Explanation
• Air is matter (claim).
• We found that the weight of the ball increases
each time we pumped more air into
it (evidence).
• This shows that air has weight, one of the
characteristics of matter (reasoning).
Data Versus Evidence
Investigate the Difference
Sigma science 2011
Source: Science Scope Sept. 2011
Data
• Information observed and collected as a result
of an investigation
What do we know about evidence?
• Is organized and written in complete and
accurate sentences.
• Uses information that is related to your
drawing or model.
• Makes a direct connection between
observations made during an investigation
and current research
• Shows your thinking about how the evidence
supports the claim
Does all data = evidence?
• Does every observation or piece of
information collected become evidence for a
claim?
– Why not?
• How do you choose which data to use as
evidence?
To construct evidence from data:
•
•
•
•
•
Analyze
Interpret
Look for patterns
Reason
Think about the data with respect to the
question we are trying to answer.
All evidence requires data, but
not all data needs to be used for
evidence
• Do I need to use all the data to
support my claim?
• Do scientists only collect the
necessary data to support their
claim?
Inference, Prediction, and
Observations
• An OBSERVATION is something you detect using
one or more of your 5 senses.
– gives us information about the world around us.
• An INFERENCE is what you decide about
an observation.
– attempt to explain/interpret observations based on
the evidence and/or our experience.
• A PREDICTION is an educated guess about a
future event.
– may or may not happen, but it should be logical.