Building a Scientific Argument (Part 3)

What You'll Learn

Scientific arguments require a claim, evidence, and reasoning. The claim states what you believe, evidence provides data supporting it, and reasoning explains how the evidence supports the claim.

Key Words

model
prototype
design

Materials Needed

plastic wrap
cardboard
tape
scissors
straws
paper clips

Safety First

Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read and learn: Scientific arguments require a claim, evidence, and reasoning. The claim states what you believe, evidence provides data supporting it, and reasoning explains how the evidence supports the claim.

Step 2 — Do

Build your model using the materials provided.

Step 3 — Observe

Look for patterns in your observations.

Step 4 — Record

Make a graph or chart showing your results.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What does a prism do to white light?