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Mr. A's Writing Tools
writingtools.org
Science CER
Cloud Types and Weather Prediction
What to Do
Investigation QuestionCan the type of clouds in the sky help predict whether it will rain? Background InformationClouds form when water vapor in the air cools and condenses into tiny water droplets Cloud Observations and Rainfall Over 20 Days
Observations were made at 9:00 AM each day. Rain was recorded if it fell at any time during the school day.
Key Vocabulary
Writing Steps
1
Examine the Data
Answer these questions to show you understand the data:
1. What is the investigation question asking you to find out? 2. What changed in the data as the conditions changed? (Look for a pattern.) 3. What is the most important thing the data shows? You can use bullet points, short phrases, or sentences. Before writing your CER, carefully read the investigation question and study the data.
A good scientist reads the data first — then writes their explanation. Note: Your answers here help you prepare. This step is not part of your final score.
Scoring Guidance — Step 1
Look for:
Claim Evidence Reasoning
2
Write Your Claim
Write one sentence that answers: Can the type of clouds in the sky help predict whether it will rain?
Your claim should name: - What was being tested (the variable) - What the result was How to do it: Answer the question in one clear sentence — name what you compared and what you found." A claim is one sentence that directly answers the investigation question.
Investigation Question: Can the type of clouds in the sky help predict whether it will rain? A strong claim: - Answers the question in ONE sentence - Names the variable and what happened - Does NOT just restate the question - Is specific — not "it worked" or "the experiment showed something"
Scoring Guidance — Step 2
Role: claim
Target: ~15 words
Look for:
Start with: 'The [variable] that...
Name what was measured and what the overall result was
Answer the question directly — don't just describe what you did
Sentence Starters
My claim is that ___ affects ___.
Based on the data, ___.
The investigation shows that ___.
Target: about 15 words
3
Support with Evidence
Write 1-2 sentences of evidence from the data table.
Your evidence should: - Include specific numbers or measurements - Come directly from the data (not background knowledge) - Show WHY your claim is supported Look back at the data table for the exact numbers. Evidence is specific data from the investigation that supports your claim.
Strong evidence at this grade: - Uses specific numbers from the data table - Comes from the investigation (not just something you already knew) - Directly connects to your claim How to do it: Pull the actual numbers from your own data table and compare them — for example, your highest result versus your lowest result.
Scoring Guidance — Step 3
Role: evidence
Target: ~25 words
Look for:
Data Reference (Number of Days Observed)
Cirrus (thin, wispy): 3Cumulus (white, puffy): 6Stratus (gray, flat layer): 5Cumulonimbus (tall, dark): 4Clear sky (no clouds): 2
Find the specific numbers in the data table that support your claim
Compare the highest and lowest values
Include the numbers and units from your data table
Don't just say 'it was more' — say HOW MUCH more
Sentence Starters
The data table shows that when ___, ___.
Specifically, the measurement of ___ was ___.
Two data points that support my claim are ___ and ___.
Target: about 25 words
4
Explain Your Reasoning & Write Full CER
First, write your reasoning (2-3 sentences):
- Why does your evidence support your claim? - What scientific concept explains this? - Use "because" or "this shows that..." Then, write your complete CER paragraph: - Start with your claim - Include your evidence (with numbers) - End with your reasoning - Be 4-6 sentences total This is the most important step! First write your reasoning — it explains WHY your evidence supports your claim, using the science idea that explains your result. Reasoning ≠ Evidence — don't repeat what you already wrote. Then combine your Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning into one paragraph.
Scoring Guidance — Step 4
Role: complete CER paragraph
Target: ~60 words
Look for:
Data Reference (Number of Days Observed)
Cirrus (thin, wispy): 3Cumulus (white, puffy): 6Stratus (gray, flat layer): 5Cumulonimbus (tall, dark): 4Clear sky (no clouds): 2
Ask yourself: WHY did this happen? What science explains it?
Try: 'This is because [scientific concept]...
Look at the Key Vocabulary section for helpful science terms
Your paragraph should flow: Claim → Evidence → Reasoning
Claim
+
Evidence
+
Reasoning
=
Complete Paragraph
Sentence Starters
My claim is ___. The evidence is ___. This supports my claim because ___.
Based on the data, ___, which shows ___. This makes sense because ___.
Target: about 60 words
Check Your Work
Before You Turn InI completed the planning step
I wrote my claim
My claim is about 15 words
I wrote my evidence
My evidence is about 25 words
I wrote my complete CER paragraph
My complete CER paragraph is about 60 words
I re-read my writing and fixed any spelling or grammar mistakes
I am proud of this work
ReflectionWhat was the hardest part of this assignment? What would you do differently next time?
For the Teacher
Teacher Guide — Cloud Types and Weather PredictionNGSS SEP4, SEP6, SEP7 · Grade 5
The student pages show a simplified 3-level Check Your Work chart. Score finished work against the full rubric below. Scoring Rubric
Step-by-Step Coaching Notes
Step 1 — Examine the Data
Step 2 — Write Your Claim
Step 3 — Support with Evidence
Step 4 — Explain Your Reasoning & Write Full CER
Students on devices? Coach this assignment live.
Scan the code — or visit the link — for the AI-coached version: step-by-step feedback on every draft, auto-scored on the rubric, no answer key to grade. Free for teachers.
writingtools.org/free/science_cer_earth_cloud_type_weather_g4
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