RACE Science Writing Poster
Science Inquiry & CER Writing Strategy
THE SCIENCE RACE METHOD
Constructed Response Blueprint for Lab Analysis, Claims & Scientific Data
Inquiry Target CER Mastered Claim • Data • Scientific Reasoning
R
Restate the Inquiry
Step 1
Turn the testable science question into a direct investigative statement.
Drop: How does X affect Y?
Science Starters
"During this investigation, it was determined that..." "When evaluating the effect of [variable A] on [variable B]..." "The research passage indicates that..."
A
Answer with a Claim
Step 2
State a precise, scientific claim identifying the relationship between variables.
Tip: Link IV and DV clearly
Science Starters
"...causes an increase/decrease in [dependent variable] because..." "...exhibits a direct/inverse correlation with..." "...disrupts equilibrium by..."
C
Cite Empirical Data
Step 3
Quote exact measurements, metrics with units, data tables, or research text.
Always include units (°C, mL, pH, g)
Science Starters
"According to the lab data in Table 1, at [value], the rate..." "As demonstrated in the graph, [variable] peaked at..." "The research text explicitly documents that '...'"
E
Explain the Mechanism
Step 4
Apply scientific principles, laws, or mechanisms to explain WHY the data proves the claim.
Name the science concept/law
Science Starters
"This occurs because the scientific principle of [concept] states..." "At the molecular level, this reaction takes place due to..." "This biological mechanism proves that..."
Lab Investigation Exemplar: See It In Action
R A C E
Inquiry Question: How does ocean acidification affect calcifying marine organisms like pteropods?
[R] Ocean acidification poses a critical hazard to calcifying marine organisms [A] by depleting free carbonate ions, causing shell dissolution and severely stunted skeletal growth. [C] In lab trials published by NOAA, researchers observed that "pteropod shells placed in seawater with a reduced pH of 7.8 showed noticeable outer shell degradation within 48 hours." [E] This evidence demonstrates the chemical mechanism of calcium carbonate saturation; as excess aqueous carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, it bonds with available carbonate ions, leaving mollusks without the necessary chemical compounds to build protective armor. Thus, ocean chemistry directly impairs calcifier survival.
Science Check
Inquiry Restated Variables in Claim Data & Units Cited Mechanism Explained
