In science education, one of the most valuable skills students can acquire is the ability to make claims based on evidence and sound reasoning. This approach, often known as the Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework, empowers students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills, fostering scientific inquiry and literacy. In this blog post, we will delve into mastering the CER worksheet, discussing its components, teaching strategies, and how to implement it effectively in educational settings.
Understanding the Claims, Evidence, Reasoning Framework
The CER framework is designed to guide students through the process of scientific argumentation. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
- Claim: A statement that answers the original question or problem. It’s what the student believes to be true.
- Evidence: Data, observations, or factual statements that support the claim. This must be clear, accurate, and relevant.
- Reasoning: The explanation that links the evidence to the claim. It explains why the evidence supports the claim, often involving principles or theories.
How to Master the CER Worksheet
Mastering the CER worksheet involves several steps that educators can guide students through:
Step 1: Clearly Define the Claim
Before starting, it’s crucial to ensure students understand what a claim is:
- Teach them to make a concise, specific claim that directly answers the question or hypothesis at hand.
- Use examples from real scientific literature or everyday scenarios to illustrate what a claim looks like.
Step 2: Collecting and Presenting Evidence
Evidence should be:
- Relevant: Directly relates to the claim.
- Credible: Sourced from reliable places, like lab results or scientific databases.
- Sufficient: Enough to support the claim convincingly.
Here’s a simple table to help students organize evidence:
| Evidence Type | Source | Why It Supports the Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Observation | Lab Experiment | Clearly relates to the hypothesis being tested |
| Measurement | Data Collection | Quantifies the effect or relationship |
Step 3: Providing Reasoning
Reasoning is often the most challenging part:
- Encourage students to think about the ‘why’ behind the evidence. What does this evidence mean in the context of the claim?
- Use prompts like, “Based on this evidence, what can we conclude about the claim?”
Step 4: Peer Review and Critique
Incorporate a peer review process where students:
- Review each other’s work for clarity, relevance, and completeness.
- Offer constructive feedback on how the CER can be improved.
💡 Note: This peer review process not only aids in understanding but also helps in building communication and collaboration skills among students.
Teaching Strategies for CER
Scaffolding
Start with structured templates where students fill in blanks, gradually reducing scaffolding to promote independent thinking:
- Begin with provided claims, then have students generate their own.
- Guide students in selecting appropriate evidence from a given set before allowing them to choose independently.
Model the Process
Model the CER process with real-life or simplified scenarios:
- Use current events or everyday problems to illustrate how scientists apply CER.
- Walk through a case study together, dissecting each component of the CER framework.
Incorporate Technology
Use digital tools to enhance learning:
- Interactive whiteboards for collaborative discussions on CER examples.
- Online platforms for peer review and critique sessions.
Assessment and Evaluation
Assessing CER can be done through:
- Formative Assessment: Checking understanding during the lesson through questioning or quick feedback loops.
- Summative Assessment: Evaluate final products, like lab reports or essays, focusing on how well students use CER.
Create rubrics that score each part of CER separately to provide detailed feedback.
By following these steps and implementing these strategies, both teachers and students can master the Claims, Evidence, Reasoning framework. This approach not only prepares students for advanced scientific inquiry but also develops critical thinking and communication skills essential for their future education and career paths. Educators can confidently guide students through the process, knowing they are equipping them with a robust tool for understanding and explaining the world around them.
Why is the CER framework important in science education?
+
The CER framework helps students develop critical thinking skills, understand scientific methods, and articulate their understanding in a logical manner. It mirrors the process real scientists use to develop and support theories.
How can I teach younger students about CER?
+
For younger students, simplify the language and use everyday examples. Begin with basic claims like “I believe it’s going to rain because I saw clouds” and guide them through the evidence and reasoning process with visual aids or stories.
What are common mistakes when implementing CER?
+
Common mistakes include making claims that are too vague or broad, using evidence that doesn’t directly support the claim, or omitting the reasoning step, which connects evidence to the claim. Students might also struggle with organizing their thoughts, leading to confusion.
Related Terms:
- Claims evidence reasoning worksheet pdf
- Claim evidence Reasoning example
- Claim Evidence Reasoning pdf
