As K-12 educators, you know that the ability to argue scientifically is not only crucial for your students’ academic success, but also to their critical thinking and informed citizenship. This comprehensive course is designed to deepen your understanding of scientific argumentation and equip you with practical strategies to cultivate this important skill in your classroom.
Throughout the course, you’ll delve into the heart of scientific argumentation, distinguishing it from general argumentation and unpacking its key elements: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning. You’ll learn how to foster an environment where respectful debates flourish, fueled by students’ curiosity and grounded in solid evidence.
You’ll also gain a detailed understanding of the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework, and learn how to guide your students in crafting clear, concise, and logical scientific arguments. The course places special emphasis on the critique and refinement of arguments, training your students to assess the strength of an argument, identify weak claims, and understand the impact of bias.
Furthermore, you’ll discover how to incorporate digital tools in argumentation, manage ethical issues related to technology use, and assess student proficiency effectively. Finally, you’ll be prepared to extend the scope of scientific argumentation beyond the classroom, preparing students for high-stakes exams, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and equipping them for future education and careers.
Whether you’re a science teacher or an educator passionate about developing critical thinking skills, this course will empower you to transform your classroom into a dynamic forum for scientific debate.
