Curiosity and the CER Framework in Science

Aug 29, 2024

Lecture Notes: Developing Scientific Explanations with CER Framework

Personal Reflection

  • Speaker mentions not being skilled in cooking, organizing, and crafts.
  • Emphasis on the importance of a growth mindset.
  • Improvement noted in video art and audio over years with practice.
  • Personal strength identified: Curiosity.

Curiosity in Science

  • Curiosity often diminishes with age; however, it remains vital for scientific inquiry.
  • Example: Childhood curiosity about turtles in a pond in Texas.

Scientific Inquiry Example

  • Observation: Turtles (red-eared sliders) disappear in winter when the pond freezes.
  • Question: Where do turtles go during winter? Do they migrate or hibernate?
  • Initial Observations:
    • Turtles are seen sunbathing or laying eggs.
    • Concern: Turtles need to breathe air and cannot do so if the pond is frozen.

Science Process and Frameworks

  • Nature of Science Video: Discusses non-linear scientific processes and planning investigations.
  • Framework Introduced: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER).
    • CER is applicable across subjects, not limited to science.

CER Framework in Detail

  • Claim: Statement or conclusion about a problem.
  • Evidence: Data collected that supports the claim.
  • Reasoning: Explanation of why the evidence supports the claim.

Application Example: Turtle Investigation

  • Claim: Red-eared sliders remain in the water and brumate during winter.
  • Evidence:
    • Observations of turtles' inactivity in the pond during winter.
    • Peer-reviewed research on red-eared sliders and brumation.
  • Reasoning:
    • Observed turtles survive winter in water, aligning with brumation.
    • Scientific papers confirm physiological changes in brumating turtles.

Importance of Source Evaluation

  • Emphasis on using factual, peer-reviewed sources for scientific conclusions.
  • Avoid unreliable sources like personal websites without scientific backing.

Broader Application of CER

  • CER is not limited to biology; applicable in daily life to evaluate claims.
  • Encourages critical thinking: Check for evidence and reasoning behind claims.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement to apply curiosity and CER framework in various aspects of life.
  • Final reminder to "stay curious" from the Amoeba Sisters.