Introduction
Curiosity is a powerful tool for learning, and when paired with a structured approach like the Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER) framework, it can lead to deeper insights in scientific investigations. In this article, we will explore the concept of CER in detail, using the fascinating example of red-eared sliders and their winter survival strategies. Whether you are a science teacher, student, or simply curious about how we can validate claims in life, understanding CER can enhance your analytical skills.
The Importance of Curiosity
Curiosity is often innate, especially in children, but as we grow, we sometimes stop asking questions. This phenomenon can lead to a stagnation in learning and understanding. Engaging in curious inquiries not only keeps our minds active but also opens new avenues for knowledge. For example, I’ve always been intrigued by the behavior of red-eared slider turtles that used to bask in the pond near my childhood home in Texas. Where do these turtles go during winter? This question sparked countless thoughts about their survival strategies and led me to investigate further.
The Scientific Process
In our exploration of curious questions, we must recognize that the scientific process is rarely linear. Scientists often utilize a flexible approach to inquiry. In our "Nature of Science" video, we discuss fundamental steps to plan scientific investigations and emphasize that there is no singular method. Acknowledging that conclusions derive from collected evidence is critical for any researcher.
Introduction to CER
The Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER) framework serves as a compelling method for articulating scientific explanations. It is a versatile tool that applies not just to science but across multiple disciplines. Here’s a breakdown of the components:
- Claim - A statement that addresses the inquiry.
- Evidence - Supporting data that substantiates the claim.
- Reasoning - Explanation of how or why the evidence backs the claim.
Applying CER: Case Study of Red-Eared Sliders
In our investigation of the behavior of red-eared sliders in winter, we can employ the CER framework effectively.
The Inquiry
Question: What happens to red-eared sliders when the pond freezes over?
Developing a Hypothesis
Before diving into data collection, it’s imperative to formulate a hypothesis based on preliminary knowledge. Given what we know about turtle behavior and physiology, a potential hypothesis could be: “Red-eared sliders remain submerged in the pond during winter.”
Gathering Evidence
To support our hypothesis, we need reliable evidence. The following methods can be considered:
- Direct Observations: Note the turtles’ behavior throughout the fall and winter.
- Video Footage: Set up cameras to monitor changes without disturbing their habitat.
- Literature Research: Consult peer-reviewed studies regarding turtle behavior during cold months.
Types of Evidence to Consider
- Observations documenting turtles remaining underwater when the surface freezes.
- Using scientific research from credible journals that addresses turtle brumation processes—similar to hibernation but specific to the physiological adaptations of reptiles.
Crafting the Conclusion with CER
Using the data collected from our observations and research, we can articulate our conclusion using the CER framework:
- Claim: Red-eared sliders remain submerged in the pond and brumate when the surface freezes.
- Evidence: Observations indicate turtles remain inactive in water, and studies show that they can slow their metabolic rates, enduring low oxygen levels. Peer-reviewed articles substantiate this by elaborating on brumation in freshwater turtles.
- Reasoning: The data confirms that the turtles’ inactivity signifies brumation, thereby justifying that they survive submerged through winter. The evidence aligns with the biological definitions and shows the turtles are alive post-winter, proving that they effectively manage their survival.
Real-Life Applications of CER
The utility of the CER framework transcends academic science. Consider the source of claims you encounter daily:
- In Conversations: Evaluate claims made by people – do they provide evidence?
- Digital Information: Assess the reliability of articles or posts by investigating the sourced evidence and the reasoning behind those claims.
Using CER in everyday discourse sharpens critical thinking and fosters informed discussions.
Conclusion
Curiosity drives us to ask essential questions, and frameworks such as Claim Evidence Reasoning enable us to explore those questions effectively. By applying CER, we can organize our conclusions methodically in scientific inquiries like the survival of red-eared sliders in winter. Remember, whether investigating turtles or engaging in daily conversations, always scrutinize claims with a critical lens using the CER framework.
As we foster curiosity, we also develop the ability to dissect and analyze information, which is increasingly vital in a world full of claims and counterclaims. Embrace your curiosity, and stay persistent in seeking evidence and understanding!
There are many things that I’m not really great at. Cooking. Organizing. Crafts. None of these really seem to be for me. And you know, I try to keep a growth mindset so I know that if I truly was interested and wanted to grow my skill, I could. I mean, over time
with our videos, you can see our art and our audio has gotten…better. It’s taken a lot of years and practice. But to be honest, those three things have never really piqued my interest so I haven’t really developed a skill for them. Yet.
But one thing I am good at, or at least I think I’ve developed, is being curious about things. You know, many people start out being very curious from a young age. But for some reason, as we get older, sometimes, we sort of stop asking as many questions. I think
I just stopped asking them out loud. I used to have a pond near my house where I grew up in Texas. There would be these semi-aquatic turtles that would sun themselves on this floating log in the pond. Most of them were
red-eared sliders. But every winter, they were gone. I don’t know where they went. Did they migrate like birds? Did they hibernate, and if so, where? I mean these turtles spend their time in the
water, and you usually only see them outside of the water if A) they’re sunning themselves or B) they’re laying eggs. Since we live in Texas, the pond didn’t completely freeze, but there was at least an inch of solid ice at the top. I know that red-eared sliders
breathe oxygen by coming to the surface as I’ve seen them do that, and they don’t have gills. If the pond surface freezes over solid, they would not be able to do that. So, yes, this is going to leave me with questions, and questions are a a great start to being
curious and can lead to some fascinating scientific investigations. In our Nature of Science video, we talk about how the science process is often not linear, how there’s not just one universal scientific method, and we list some important things to consider when planning a scientific
investigation. But after a scientific investigation, how might we develop a scientific explanation? Right now, we want to talk about a framework that is applicable to a lot of subjects – not just science – and therefore not just biology that I teach. It’s actually cross-curricular.
And that is CER. Claim Evidence Reasoning. However, not necessarily conducted in that order. CER is a framework that can be used for scientific explanations. Due to this, it’s very popular in science classrooms. One way to use this CER framework is to help
develop a reliable conclusion after an investigation has already been conducted. A conclusion can state the claim, evidence that supports it, and reasoning for how or why that evidence supports the claim. As an example, let me go back to that turtle situation.
So my question: In the winter when the pond surface freezes over, where do all the red-eared sliders from this pond go to survive? I could launch a full investigation on this, and part of my investigation is where I would obtain data. I’m not going to show all the steps
of a potential investigation right now: if I did, I might show the steps in developing my hypothesis and my procedure. But for this short video, we’re going to focus on the data collected in an investigation, because that data will serve as my evidence and I
cannot have a claim without evidence that supports the claim. I want to use the Claim Evidence Reasoning framework to help me write a portion of my conclusion – and remember, that’s only one example of how I could use this CER framework.
So in my investigation, my data includes many observations - whether the turtles are leaving the pond or staying in the water. I might set up cameras for footage of the pond or in the pond, observing exactly what they are doing in the water, although I’d need to
be careful not to disturb the turtles in any way. I’d be observing before the winter and after the winter is over. My observations show that these turtles are remaining in the water when the pond freezes over. Also, the same turtles are present after the winter
is over. I also observe the turtles’ inactivity in the water at the bottom of the pond when the pond’s surface freezes over. My investigation would also include research: information from science papers from science
journals about red-eared sliders. With this research, it’s important to examine where my source comes from. This is likely beyond what we’d find in a general biology textbook, because this is a very specific topic about how red-eared sliders handle the winter. Are
the sources I’ve gathered actually peer-reviewed science sources from a science journal? Maybe it’s written by an expert in the field? Or…is it info from a website your neighbor Bob made who had a turtle once and has many personal opinions about turtles – which
is not how science theories work by the way – and likes to take pictures of turtles in his spare time and post them online with random filters? Always, always consider your source- I am looking for factual, peer-reviewed sources.
Keeping that in mind, I gather science papers that talk about freshwater turtle winter survival, and I notice these papers discuss brumation. Brumation has similarities to hibernation - you might be familiar about hibernation in mammals. Brumation can be done by ectotherms
like red-eared sliders. During brumation, red-eared sliders can handle a low oxygen environment and the turtle's metabolic needs slow down along with other physiological changes. If I had appropriate equipment and sufficient training, I might obtain quantitative data
demonstrating the physiological changes occurring. So, if considering the CER framework, I may perhaps use this to help me organize a portion of my conclusion at the end of my investigation. My claim (which answers the original question)
: In the winter when the pond surface freezes over, red-eared sliders from this pond remain in the water and brumate. My evidence, which supports my claim: I would provide the qualitative data consisting of observations of the turtles’ activity and, also, I’d like to include
the research I’ve cited from peer-reviewed sources about red-eared slider brumation. But I can’t just report my evidence and say, “Here’s my evidence!” and be finished. I’m going to do my reasoning now which shows how or why my evidence supports my claim.
The evidence supports my claim, because the evidence shows that the turtles stayed in the water over the winter and that those same turtles survived the entire winter in the water – they were still alive and in the water after the winter was over. In addition,
the peer-reviewed sources I’ve cited define the general inactivity of the turtles that I had observed as brumation and how red-eared slider turtles can brumate in the water, and the physiological changes that happen during brumation even when the surface freezes over
in the winter. One last thing. As we mentioned earlier, CER is useful for more than your biology course. You can apply CER to your daily life. Next time you hear a claim from someone or read
a claim online, consider that CER framework. Is there evidence to support the claim? And…can you provide the reasoning for how or why the evidence supports the claim? Well, that’s it for the Amoeba Sisters, and we remind you to stay curious!
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