Individual Work: Exploring the CER Framework in Science
In this section of the lesson, students will engage in individual work that emphasizes the use of the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) framework. This exercise aims to strengthen their critical thinking, scientific writing, and analysis skills. Below are five engaging activities to help students effectively apply the CER method in a Year 6 Science context.
Activity 1: Claim Creation Challenge
Objective:
Students will formulate clear, concise claims based on a scientific topic.
Instructions:
- Choose a topic from your recent science lessons (e.g., ecosystems, matter, or energy).
- Write one claim regarding your topic. Ensure it states a specific idea or conclusion clearly.
- Use the following sentence starters to help:
- "I claim that..."
- "Based on my observations, I believe that..."
Example:
Claim: “Plants need sunlight to grow.”
Activity 2: Gathering Evidence
Objective:
Students will collect evidence that supports their claims.
Instructions:
- Using textbooks, scientific articles, or online resources, find at least two pieces of evidence that support your claim from Activity 1.
- Write down the evidence along with the source where you found it. Ensure your evidence is factual and relevant.
Example:
Evidence: “According to the Science Journal of Botany, photosynthesis occurs only when plants are exposed to sunlight.”
Activity 3: Reasoning Reflection
Objective:
Students will explain why their evidence supports their claim.
Instructions:
- Write a paragraph of reasoning that connects your claim with the evidence you gathered.
- Use transition phrases such as "This means that..." or "This supports my claim because..."
Example:
Reasoning: “This means that without sunlight, plants cannot perform photosynthesis, which is essential for their growth."
Activity 4: Peer Review Process
Objective:
Refine writing through feedback.
Instructions:
- Exchange your CER paragraphs with a classmate.
- Provide feedback focusing on clarity, strength of evidence, and reasoning. Use the following questions to guide your feedback:
- Is the claim clear and specific?
- Does the evidence directly support the claim?
- Is the reasoning logical and well-articulated?
Example Feedback:
- "Your claim is strong, but you could include more detailed evidence to strengthen it."
- "Great job connecting your reasoning to the evidence!"
Activity 5: Presentation of Findings
Objective:
Students will present their claims using the CER structure.
Instructions:
- Choose one of your claims along with its evidence and reasoning to share with the class.
- Prepare a short presentation (2-3 minutes) explaining your claim, the evidence, and your reasoning.
- Use visual aids like diagrams or charts to enhance your presentation.
Tips:
- Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
- Engage your classmates by asking them to think about how your claim relates to their experiences.
By completing these activities, Year 6 students will gain a better understanding of how to create a structured scientific argument using the CER framework. This individual work will empower them to think critically, argue scientifically, and express their ideas effectively.