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Explain with Evidence

Say what you know, how you know, and listen to others.

Lesson 6 of 41

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Before we start

Today’s story

Explain with Evidence

A claim is something you say is true. Evidence is what shows it. Reasoning connects the two. A fair explanation has all three.

Scientists share their results with others and listen to questions. Someone may spot an error you missed. That is not rude. That is how science improves.

Today you practice explaining what you know, how you know it, and listening well. Every good explanation has the same parts. Here are the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Claim Cards

    20 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Index cards
    • Pencil
    • A partner
    • A result from an earlier test

    Do this

    1. Write a claim on one card.
    2. Write your evidence on a second card.
    3. Write your reasoning on a third card.
    4. Share the cards with your partner in order.
    5. Your partner asks one question about the evidence.
    6. Swap roles, then revise a card if you need to.
    Write or draw: Three cards in order with any changes you make after the question.

    Watch for: Did the question make your explanation clearer? Did your partner find a gap?

    Safety: Keep pencils away from faces and sit while you work.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Back every claim with evidence

    An explanation needs facts behind it.

    Rule 2Listen before you answer

    You may learn something.

    Rule 3Disagree kindly

    Argue about ideas, not people.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    claim
    A statement you say is true.
    evidence
    Facts or data that support a claim.
    reasoning
    The explanation that links evidence to a claim.
    respect
    Treating others' 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 your explanation is strong?
    • When have you listened to someone and changed your mind about something at home?
    Did you know

    Scientists publish their methods so others can repeat the test, and findings that cannot be repeated get questioned.

    Someone who does this

    A science writer explains new findings to the public using evidence.

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