How to Blend CER and the Scientific Method in Science

Inside: CER is the perfect complement to the scientific method in the middle school classroom. Learn how CER benefits students, how to use it to support the scientific method, and read an example of a CER in the science classroom.

One of the hardest parts of teaching is getting students to write and think critically! 

Have you ever had a really great lesson or activity?  The kind of lesson where the room is full of energy and students are engaged? 

Now, imagine you pose a question to your students after the activity.  They struggle to connect the dots.  You might even hear crickets and get a few blank stares. 

Sound familiar?  I know I’ve been there myself one too many times!  

Claim, evidence, and reasoning has been a game changer in my classroom!  

Over time, I’ve learned that one. of the most effective ways to use CER in the classroom is to pair it with the scientific method.

How can I use claim, evidence, and reasoning to support the scientific method?

CER is the perfect strategy to complement the scientific method in the science classroom!

All too often, students finish a lab and can explain what they did but not the why.

Using claim, evidence, and reasoning to write a meaningful conclusion solves this problem!

Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) provides a structured approach to scientific thinking. It guides students to build logical, well-supported explanations of scientific phenomena.

Integrating CER into lab reports or in place of a conclusion helps the students gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon they are studying by providing a well-supported explanation of the “why.”

What is claim, evidence, and reasoning?

CER is made of three separate elements that, when put together, become a powerful tool for scientific thinking and writing.

CLAIM: The claim is the answer to a scientific question or problem. It is clearly stated as a conclusion or assertion.

Starting with a claim helps students pinpoint the main idea, focusing their efforts on a clear, specific statement.

The claim mirrors how scientists begin with a hypothesis or statement they intend to test.

EVIDENCE: Evidence involves gathering data, observations, or research supporting the claim.

Supporting evidence emphasizes the importance of basing conclusions on concrete, objective information.

It encourages students to distinguish between mere opinion and factual support. Plus, it teaches students to collect relevant data systematically, which is a critical part of scientific inquiry.

REASONING: Reasoning connects the evidence to the claim by explaining how the data supports or justifies the conclusion.

Reasoning is the final step that encourages students to think deeply about the relationship between the claim and the evidence. This requires them to apply scientific principles to support their evidence.

Reasoning is essential in science because it moves beyond stating facts, pushing students to understand why and how the evidence supports their conclusions.

Claim, evidence, and reasoning is the perfect complement to the the scientific method. It leads students through the hypothesis and data analysis stages.

How do students benefit from using CER with the scientific method?

Using Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) as a conclusion in science has several educational benefits for students. CER promotes critical thinking, improves communication skills, and encourages a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

1. CRITICAL THINKING: CER requires students to analyze the data and identify specific evidence that supports their claim rather than simply restating results. This structured approach leads to a more thoughtful analysis of findings.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: CER teaches students to clearly explain their findings in a structured, concise manner, helping them learn how to communicate scientific ideas effectively.
3. ENCOURAGES DEEPER UNDERSTANDING: Reasoning requires students to use scientific principles to connect and explain how their evidence supports their claim.

Writing a well-supported conclusion goes beyond memorization, encouraging students to understand the why behind their findings and apply knowledge to justify their answers.

Sample CER conclusion

Our students did an investigation during our properties of water unit to see which brand of paper towel had the best absorption.

Through the lab, we tested four different brands of paper towels and measured the amount of capillary action for each.

After we finished the lab, students did a CER to answer the question, “Which brand of paper towel absorbs water the best?”

Why you should be using CER as a conclusion

Using CER as a conclusion in science not only strengthens students’ understanding of scientific concepts but also prepares them to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Using claim, evidence, and reasoning along with the scientific method allows students to identify areas where evidence might be lacking or where reasoning needs strengthening.

It helps students develop a habit of backing up their conclusions with data and reasoning, a critical skill in fields beyond science, such as law, business, and everyday life!

Ready to get started?

Check out these no-prep CER labs!