Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
Four children sit around a table with two sponges, a measuring cup and a chart, talking and listening to each other.

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Explain and Discuss

Claim, evidence, and a respectful conversation.

Lesson 6 of 40

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Before we start

Today’s story

Explain and Discuss

Nora's group tested a yellow sponge and a gray one. They soaked each, then squeezed it into a measuring cup. The yellow gave 30 milliliters. The gray gave 18. The group asks Nora how she knows the yellow one holds more.

A claim is what you think is true. Evidence is the data that backs it up. A good explanation joins them. Nora says the yellow sponge holds more. Then she shows 30 milliliters against 18.

Talk matters too. Scientists speak up, and they listen. They ask kindly. They change their minds when the evidence says so. Here are the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Claim and Proof

    20 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Two paper towels
    • Two small cups of water
    • A sunny window and a shaded spot
    • A partner
    • Notebook

    Do this

    1. Wet both paper towels the same amount.
    2. Put one in the sun and one in the shade.
    3. Predict which dries first.
    4. Check every ten minutes and write what you feel.
    5. After an hour, write your claim and your evidence.
    6. Tell your partner and listen to theirs.
    7. Ask one polite question.
    Write or draw: A short claim in one sentence plus a table with time and how damp each towel is.

    Watch for: Notice if your partner saw something different. Both observations matter.

    Safety: Keep water away from outlets and wipe up spills.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Back it with evidence.

    A claim without data is just a guess.

    Rule 2Listen before you answer.

    You might learn something.

    Rule 3Disagree kindly.

    Argue about ideas, not people.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    claim
    A statement of what you think is true.
    evidence
    Data or observations that support a claim.
    explanation
    A claim joined with evidence.
    respect
    Treating others and their ideas with care.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • How do you know when a claim is well supported?
    • When have you changed your mind after hearing someone at home or school?
    Did you know

    Scientists often write papers so other scientists can try to prove them wrong. That is how science gets stronger.

    Someone who does this

    A science writer explains new discoveries so everyone can understand them.

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