Lecture Notes: CER Framework in Science

Introduction

• Presenter: Paul Anderson
• Topic: CER framework for explanations in science classrooms
• Purpose: Helps students improve scores on lab write-ups, essays, and exams
• Science Process: Gather evidence, develop explanations, and critique over time

Common Issues in Science Education

• Investigations often teacher-led, akin to 'cookbook labs'
• Focus heavy on investigation variables, less on forming explanations

CER Framework

• Developers: Dr. Kate McNeil and Dr. Joe Cek
• Components:
  • Claim: Answer to a question
  • Evidence: Empirical data gathered
  • Reasoning: Logical connection between evidence and claim
  • Rebuttal (sometimes included): Critique of others' claims
• Main Challenge: Students struggle with reasoning
• Teaching Tip: Base reasoning on scientific definitions or principles

Teacher's Role

• Provide a good question and means to answer it

Example: Skew Dice

• Question: Are skew dice fair?
• Process:
  • Gather evidence by rolling dice and measuring
  • Define 'fair': Equal probability of sides

Example: Is Air Matter?

• Terms Defined:
  • Air: Invisible substance around Earth
  • Matter: Has mass, occupies space
  • Scientific Principle: Mass cannot be created or destroyed
• Evidence Gathering:
  • Balloon mass before and after filling with air
  • Air displacing water in a bottle
• Claim: Air is matter
• Reasoning: Connect evidence to claim using scientific principles

Encouraging Student Reasoning

• Importance of connecting evidence and explanations
• Use scientific definitions as a basis for reasoning

Rebuttal Example

• Critique evidence source and conditions

Application to Various Science Questions

• Magnetism Example:
  • Define magnetic strength
  • Use to build a CER model
• Phase Change Example:
  • Question: What happens to energy during a phase change?
  • Define terms like energy and phase change
  • Gather evidence of heat application and temperature change
  • Base reasoning in principles such as conservation of energy

Conclusion

• CER helps structure explanations
• Steps: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
• Call to Action: Suggestions for future videos in comments

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