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Scientific Method & C.E.R.

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Scientific Method & C.E.R.

A science team wants to find out whether the amount of light affects how quickly bean plants grow. Read the experiment details, study the results, and use the scientific method and C.E.R. (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to explain what the team learned.

Experiment Log

The team planted the same type of bean seed in two identical pots. Each pot received the same amount of soil and water and stayed in the same room. Pot A was placed near a sunny window. Pot B was placed inside a ventilated box that blocked light. After 14 days, the team measured each plant. They repeated the test with three seeds in each condition and recorded the average height.

Growing condition

Average height

Near sunny window

12 cm

Inside dark, ventilated box

4 cm

Plan and Interpret

Use the experiment log and results table for Questions 1–6.

1.Which question is the team investigating?

Does the amount of light affect bean plant growth?
Does soil color affect how much water a seed needs?
Do bean seeds grow better in large pots?
Does room temperature change the color of leaves?

2.The team predicts that plants receiving light will grow taller than plants without light. What is this testable prediction called?

3.Name one factor the team kept the same so the test would be fair.

4.What was the one factor the team changed on purpose?

5.How much taller was the average plant near the sunny window than the average plant in the dark box?

6.Put these scientific-method steps in a sensible order by numbering them 1–4: analyze results; ask a question; carry out the experiment; make a prediction.

Build a C.E.R. Explanation

Use the results table as evidence. A strong response connects the data to a scientific idea.

7.Identify the C.E.R. part: “The plants near the sunny window grew taller than the plants in the dark box.”

Claim
Evidence
Reasoning

8.Identify the C.E.R. part: “The sunny-window plants averaged 12 cm, while the dark-box plants averaged 4 cm.”

Claim
Evidence
Reasoning

9.Identify the C.E.R. part: “Plants use light to make sugars through photosynthesis, which provides energy for growth.”

Claim
Evidence
Reasoning

10.Write a C.E.R. response to the investigation. State whether the results support the team's hypothesis, include both measured heights as evidence, and explain how light may help plants grow.

11.The team averaged results from three seeds in each condition. Why is repeating a test with several seeds more useful than measuring just one seed?