In an interview, MIT’s Kerry Emmanuel emphasized, “At the end of the day, it’s just raw curiosity. I think almost everybody that gets seriously into science is driven by curiosity.” Curiosity, the impulse to understand how the world functions, propels the questions we pose and the inquiries we pursue.
Imagine we’re designing a unit on matter. By having students observe solids and liquids, we’ve guided them to define matter as something with mass (or weight—no need to differentiate for elementary students) that occupies space. Now, let’s turn to air: “I’m curious, does it matter? Or something else?” The students are now motivated to ascertain whether air qualifies as matter. The question is straightforward: Does air matter?
Following this, we can prompt our students to consider what data they need to answer the question and how they can gather it and investigate. Students must establish whether air possesses mass and/or occupies space.
Perhaps they’ll propose weighing a basketball multiple times using a pump to introduce more air. Once students conduct the investigation and compile their data, they can construct an explanation. But what constitutes a sound explanation?
According to the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) model, a robust explanation comprises:
- A claim that directly addresses the question
- Evidence drawn from students’ collected data
- Reasoning that employs a scientific principle or rule to explain why the evidence supports the claim
Your students might propose this explanation: Air is indeed matter (claim). We observed that the ball’s weight increased each time we added more air (evidence), demonstrating that air possesses weight, a fundamental characteristic of matter (reasoning).
To further enhance the explanation, students could include evidence and reasoning about air occupying space.
Introducing CER to your Students
Introducing the CER framework for writing explanations is a pivotal task for your students and should not be taken lightly. Explicit introduction and ongoing modeling will be essential to support their development throughout the academic year.
The concept that explanations propel scientific inquiry can be vividly illustrated through NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover. After viewing a video outlining the mission’s scientific objectives, engage your students with these questions:
- What piques the curiosity of these scientists—what knowledge are they seeking?
- What specific data will the rover gather?
- How will this data enable scientists to formulate claims addressing their inquiries?
Jeff Rohr, a fifth-grade educator from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, proposes an engaging approach using an Audi commercial. Students can dissect the elements of an explanation by identifying the claim, evidence, and reasoning—or principle—that connects the evidence to the assertion made by the little girl, who speculates that her father is an extraterrestrial.
Let the Inquiry Begin
Throughout the academic year, guide your students through CER with these effective strategies:
- Establish CER as the cornerstone of scientific exploration.
- Employ relatable, non-scientific scenarios such as mysteries, visual arts, or imagery to illustrate CER concepts. (Download a sample PDF worksheet for reference.)
- Develop an anchor chart to visually outline CER components.
- Utilize a rubric collaboratively with students to assess and refine their CER examples.
- Showcase compelling instances from scientific research or eminent scientists.
- Design CER worksheets incorporating teacher-provided data. (Download a sample PDF worksheet for practical application.)
- Foster interdisciplinary connections, such as integrating argumentation skills into social studies.
- Offer constructive feedback and encourage peer critique to enhance learning and application of CER principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CER framework in science inquiry?
The CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) framework is a structured scientific approach to construct explanations. It involves making a claim, supporting it with evidence from data or observations, and providing reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim logically.
Why is it important to teach students about CER?
Teaching students the CER framework helps them develop critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills. It encourages them to articulate their ideas clearly, justify their conclusions with evidence, and understand how scientific knowledge is constructed.
How can I introduce CER to my students effectively?
Introduce CER by relating it to real-world examples or engaging activities. Start with simple, non-science scenarios to help students grasp the concept before applying it to scientific investigations. Use visuals, discussions, and hands-on activities to reinforce understanding.
What are some strategies for teaching CER throughout the year?
Strategies include creating anchor charts that outline the components of CER, using rubrics for assessment, providing examples from scientific studies, designing CER worksheets with guided data analysis, and integrating CER into other subjects like social studies to reinforce argumentation skills.
How do I help students improve their CER writing?
Support students by modeling effective CER writing, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging peer critique. Scaffold assignments gradually increase complexity, allowing students to practice applying CER in various scientific contexts.
Can CER be applied to different scientific disciplines?
Yes, the CER framework is versatile and applicable across various scientific disciplines. Whether investigating biology, physics, chemistry, or environmental science, students can use CER to structure their inquiries, analyze data, and communicate their findings.
What resources are available to assist with teaching CER?
Numerous resources are available, including textbooks with CER examples, online simulations for scientific investigations, downloadable worksheets for data analysis, and professional development workshops for educators interested in implementing CER effectively in their classrooms.
Conclusion
Understanding and implementing the CER framework—Claim, Evidence, Reasoning—is crucial for fostering scientific inquiry among students. By guiding them to formulate clear claims, supporting them with relevant evidence, and articulating logical reasoning, educators empower students to think critically and construct robust explanations. Integrating CER into science education cultivates essential skills in scientific reasoning and communication and prepares students to engage meaningfully in scientific inquiry both in and beyond the classroom.
