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Getting Started with the Fail-Safe Thinking Routines

Conclude & Apply

Sham Wow!

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Thinking Routine

Conclude & Apply

We are learning to …

• explain what we have learned about the phenomenon being studied and why it matters
• use our knowledge and skills in a new context or situation because it is appropriate, relevant, and useful

What is a Conclusion?

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Think about the final paragraph in informational writing,

• What is the purpose of this paragraph?
• What should you include in your conclusion?
• In science, we also conclude by connecting to scientific reasoning and principles

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The C.E.R. Framework

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• CER stands for Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning
• This framework helps us structure our conclusions in science
• It’s also useful for examining claims others make, i.e. in the media or the news

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An Anchor Chart for the C.E.R. Framework

S. Mirabelli & L. Sandner (2023)

Analyzing an Infomercial

• Watch the Sham-Wow infomercial
• What is the claim being made? What does Vince want us to do?
• Listen for the reasons Vince, the sales agent, says we should buy a Sham-Wow

Insert a link to the “Sham Wow infomercial (original)” video here

Identifying the Claim

“Buy a Sham-Wow cloth because you’ll say, “Wow” every time you use it.”

Vince

Can we believe the Sham-Wow towel will perform as well as advertised?

ShamWoW!

Gathering Evidence

Let’s watch the infomercial again, listening this time for all the evidence Vince presents:

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Evaluating the Evidence

• Do you think the evidence supports the claim?
• What would you want to investigate further?
• Is there a scientific reason that explains and strengthens the claim that this towel is so good at picking up liquids it will make us say “Wow” every time we use it?

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Let's search for the science behind the Sham-Wow microfibre cloth to better evaluate the claim

The Science Behind Microfibre

Note to teachers: Use this space to post age appropriate/reading level appropriate links students can access to research the science behind how microfibre works.

Writing a Conclusion Using C.E.R.

Can we believe the Sham-Wow towel will perform as well as advertised?

Use the scientific information we gathered to write a paragraph that draws a conclusion,

• What was the claim?
• Does the evidence support the claim?
• Do you think this microfibre cloth will live up to the claim? Why or why not? (the reasoning)
• Would you buy a Sham-Wow based on the evidence and reasoning?

Reflect, Discuss, Conclude

stock.adobe.com #202821057

• Was it easier to write a paragraph to answer the question by following the C.E.R. framework?

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• Would you recommend any improvements to the infomercial?

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• When else might we find it useful to use the C.E.R. framework?

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Conclude & Apply Assessment Tool

Mirabelli, S. & Sandner, L. (2023) Fail-Safe Strategies for Science and Literacy

Did I …

• Answer the focus question by identifying the claim being made?
• Gather and present the evidence used to support the claim?
• Explain how scientific reasoning and knowledge supports the evidence and allows for this claim to be made or not made?

Teachers,

If you liked this activity check out our book, “Fail-Safe Strategies for Science and Literacy” at Pembroke buff.ly/3F3gQYO for more Thinking Routine activities and fail-safe strategies.

You might also want to check the resources section on our website:

www.failsafestragies.com

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We’d love for you to share your experience and tag us on “X” @thinkfailsafe @scilitsandr a @lionelsandner