Writing Across Curriculum
Module 2: Writing Strategies for Different Subjects

Lesson 1:Writing in Science (CER Framework, Lab Reports)

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IN THIS LESSON

We’ll explore how writing deepens scientific thinking and inquiry. You’ll learn how to guide students through evidence-based writing using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework and support them in producing clear, purposeful lab reports.

We'll break down how to scaffold writing in science so that students move from observation to explanation—and from copying definitions to constructing their own understanding.

By the end of this lesson, you will:

✅ Understand the purpose and structure of the CER framework
✅ Learn how to support students in writing meaningful lab reports
✅ Use sentence frames and graphic organizers to scaffold scientific writing
✅ Identify common writing challenges in science and ways to overcome them
✅ Access a CER Writing Framework Worksheet and sample science writing models

Action Item

  • 📰 Helpful Articles & Blog Posts

    • “The CER Framework: Helping Students Think Like Scientists” – National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

    • “Scientific Explanations and Writing to Learn” – Edutopia

    • “Why Students Need to Write in Science Class” – ASCD

  • Produced by: Science Teacher Vlog
    Length: A    pproximately 10 minutes
    Overview:
    This video provides a practical walkthrough of implementing the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework in a science classroom. The educator shares strategies for introducing CER to students, scaffolding their understanding, and assessing their written explanations.

  • Stanford NGSS Integrated Curriculum: An Exploration of a Multidimensional World | Stanford NGSS Assessment Project

    • The Science Teacher’s Toolbox – (Jossey-Bass Teacher Series)
      → Includes writing strategies, CER applications, and NGSS-aligned supports

    • Reading and Writing in Science – Scholastic or Heinemann guides

    • Sticky note CER templates – For exit tickets or bell-ringers

    • Google Docs for collaborative CER writing

    • Padlet – for students to post CERs and peer comment

    • Flip (Flipgrid) – for oral CER explanations (great for ELLs and younger grades)

    • Mini Anchor Chart – Claim • Evidence • Reasoning + Sample

    • "What’s Missing?" Practice – Given a partial CER, students identify what part is missing

    • CER Self-Assessment Checklist – Student-facing checklist: “Did I state my claim clearly?”, “Is my reasoning connected to the science?”

  • “Which part of the CER framework do your students struggle with most—claim, evidence, or reasoning?
    What scaffolds have helped?”