What is a CER in science?

Understanding the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Framework in Science Education

The Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework is a valuable tool used in science education to develop critical thinking skills and promote clear, logical arguments. By using this framework, students can effectively support their scientific claims with evidence and provide sound reasoning to explain the connection between the evidence and the claim. In this article, we will explore the components of CER, its purpose in science education, its application in scientific inquiry, and its limitations.

Components of CER

The CER framework consists of three essential components:

• Claim: A claim is a statement that answers a question or expresses an opinion about a scientific concept or phenomenon. It represents the main argument or idea that the student is putting forward.
• Evidence: Evidence refers to the data or research that supports the claim. It provides factual information or observations that substantiate the validity of the claim.
• Reasoning: Reasoning is the logical explanation that connects the evidence to the claim. It demonstrates how the evidence supports the claim and provides a coherent argument that convinces others of its validity.

Purpose of CER

The CER framework serves several important purposes in science education:

• Creating Well-Structured Arguments: CER is used to create well-structured arguments that answer questions about scientific phenomena. It helps students organize their thoughts and present their ideas in a logical and coherent manner.
• Developing Critical Thinking Skills: By engaging in the CER process, students learn to think critically about scientific concepts. They must evaluate evidence, analyze data, and make connections between different pieces of information.

Using CER in Science

CER is particularly useful when there are multiple possible claims or answers to a scientific question. It allows students to argue in favor of one claim over others by providing supporting evidence and logical reasoning. This framework can also be used to address common student misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Limitations of CER

While CER is a valuable tool for written arguments in science education, it does have some limitations:

• Primarily Written Arguments: CER is primarily used for written arguments, which may limit its application in verbal discourse or other forms of argumentation in the science classroom.
• Importance of Verbal Discourse: While written arguments are important, it is also essential for students to engage in verbal discourse and other forms of argumentation. These activities provide opportunities for collaborative learning, active participation, and the development of oral communication skills.

By employing the CER framework, science educators can cultivate critical thinking skills in students and foster their ability to construct well-supported arguments. However, it is crucial to complement CER with other forms of argumentation and encourage verbal discussions to create a comprehensive learning environment.

Sources:

1. Using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Framework in the Classroom | Edutopia
2. The Secrets of CER: a Step-by-Step Guide for Science Teachers – Sadler Science
3. What is CER in Science & Why It’s Essential for Students | Gizmos

FAQs

Understanding the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Framework in Science Education

The Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework is a valuable tool used in science education to develop critical thinking skills and promote clear, logical arguments. By using this framework, students can effectively support their scientific claims with evidence and provide sound reasoning to explain the connection between the evidence and the claim. In this article, we will explore some frequently asked questions about CER in science education.

What is the CER framework in science?

The CER framework, which stands for Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, is a structured approach used in science education to guide students in constructing well-supported arguments. It involves making a claim, providing evidence to support the claim, and providing reasoning to explain how the evidence supports the claim.

How is the CER framework used in science?

The CER framework is used to create well-structured arguments in response to scientific questions or phenomena. It helps students organize their thoughts, analyze data or research, and present their ideas in a logical and coherent manner.

What are the components of the CER framework?

The CER framework consists of three essential components:

• • Claim: A claim is a statement that answers a question or expresses an opinion about a scientific concept or phenomenon.

• • Evidence: Evidence refers to the data or research that supports the claim. It provides factual information or observations that substantiate the validity of the claim.

• • Reasoning: Reasoning is the logical explanation that connects the evidence to the claim. It demonstrates how the evidence supports the claim and provides a coherent argument that convinces others of its validity.

What is the purpose of using the CER framework in science education?

The CER framework serves several important purposes in science education:

• • It helps students develop critical thinking skills by evaluating evidence and making connections between different pieces of information.

• • It promotes clear and coherent communication of scientific ideas through well-structured arguments.

• • It encourages students to explain their scientific understanding and support their claims with evidence-based reasoning.

When is the CER framework used in science?

The CER framework is particularly useful when there are multiple possible claims or answers to a scientific question. It allows students to argue in favor of one claim over others by providing supporting evidence and logical reasoning. It can also be used to address common student misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Are there any limitations to using the CER framework in science education?

While the CER framework is a valuable tool, it does have some limitations:

• • It is primarily used for written arguments and may not be the only way arguments take place in the science classroom.

• • Verbal discourse and other forms of argumentation are also important for students’ development.

How can teachers incorporate the CER framework in science lessons?

Teachers can incorporate the CER framework in science lessons by:

• • Introducing the components of CER and explaining their importance in constructing scientific arguments.

• • Providing opportunities for students to practice using the CER framework through hands-on investigations, data analysis, and writing exercises.

• • Providing feedback and guidance to help students improve their ability to construct well-supported arguments using the CER framework.

How does the CER framework contribute to scientific inquiry?

The CER framework is an essential component of scientific inquiry as it encourages students to think critically, analyze evidence, and develop logical explanations. By using the CER framework, students engage in the process of constructing arguments based on evidence, which is a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry.