Have you ever asked your students to explain what they learned in a lab activity or after reading an informational text and gotten a one word answer? Even worse, maybe a shoulder shrug?
I’ve been there!
Teaching writing is a daunting task no matter what subject you are teaching!
Using the claim, evidence, and reasoning strategy will help your students to write and think more scientifically!
POWER OF CER IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM
Using the CER framework can be a POWERFUL tool to help your students become better at scientific thinking and writing!
CER encourages students to state their claim, or their answer to the question. From there, students need to provide their evidence and reasoning to support the claim.
The good news is that CER in the classroom doesn’t have to be difficult (or boring).
WHY USE COMMERCIALS TO TEACH CLAIM, EVIDENCE AND REASONING?
Commercials are a fun and engaging way to introduce students to the CER framework.
Why?
- They’re short.
- They are entertaining.
- They are non-scientific, which makes this a low stress activity for students getting started!
Here are a few of my favorite non-scientific video clips to use when introducing CER.
1. My Dad’s an Alien Commercial – Who is the little girl’s dad? Who does the little girl think her dad is?
2. Audi Prom Commercial – What happened to the boy? How did he get a black eye?
3. Doritos Dog Buries Cat Commercial – What happened to the cat?
4.Cheryl’s She Shed – Who burned Cheryl’s She Shed?
5. Shamwow – What does Vince want you to do?
If you’re looking for more CER ideas, take a look at the post “How to Teach Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning Like a Pro.”
Are you ready to dive into CER ?
Take a look at these ready to use lessons, posters, and lab activities! They are no-prep and huge time savers!
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Free 7-Page Guide to Using Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning in the Classroom
As a science teacher, I know how daunting CER can be in the classroom! I created this guide to walk you through the entire process. It includes two graphic organizers, sentence stems, a sample CER organizer, and tips for students who struggle.
Get your copy here!
