5L3ABC Cells

Scenario
Dr. Barnes and Dr. Hensley, two scientists, recently discovered the set of unknown
cells pictured below. Dr. Barnes argues that the set of cells is from an animal
because he notices cytoplasm and nuclei. Dr. Hensley argues that the set of cells is
from a plant because he notices cell walls and chloroplasts.

Prompt
Write a scientific explanation agreeing with either Dr. Barnes or Dr. Hensley’s
identification.

Claim:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Evidence:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Reasoning:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

1
 5L3ABC Cells

Cells CER
Rubric for Writing a Scientific Explanation

Points
2 1 0
Awarded
Claim Student makes an Student makes a claim Student does not make
accurate and complete that is inaccurate or a claim.
claim. incomplete.

Evidence Student provides two or Student provides one Student does not
more accurate pieces to two accurate pieces provide evidence or
of evidence, uses of evidence. only provides
labels, and addresses inappropriate or vague
variables. evidence.

Reasoning Evidence is connected Student cites a reason, Student does not

to the claim and but it is inaccurate or connect the evidence
includes scientific does not support the to the claim.
principles and claim. Student’s
vocabulary. reasoning does not use
scientific terminology or
uses it inaccurately.