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Engaging in Argumentation and Explanation Through Questions, Claims, and Evidence Secondary Science Teachers Professional Development Richland School District One August 15, 2013

2. The Practice of Engaging in Argument from Evidence
In science, argumentation and reasoning are used to identify strengths and weaknesses in justifications/rationales and to find the best explanation for a natural phenomenon.
In engineering, argumentation and reasoning are necessary to determine the best possible solution to a problem.
Both require collaboration with peers to determine the best explanation, conclusion, or solution to an investigation (science) or problem (engineering). Often result in revisions to investigations and solutions and may lead to additional questions to be investigated or problems to be solved.
The Practice of Engaging in Argument from Evidence

3. Argument… Unsettled knowledge Attempt to persuade
Consists of questions, claims, and evidence
Requires reasoning
Argument…

4. The Mystery of Mr. Xavier’s Death
With the members of your group, read the scenario provided and solve the following problem:
How did Mr. Xavier die?
State a claim (Answer to the question)
Provide evidence (Relevant data from the scenario)
Explain how the evidence supports your claim
(Reasoning)
Use chart paper to create a display of your argument. The facilitator will lead the discussion as each group presents their argument.
The Mystery of Mr. Xavier’s Death

5. Implementing Argumentation in the Science Classroom
Discuss the following with the members of your grade level (m.s.)/content area (h.s.):
How would this practice (not the activity) look in your classroom?
What challenges do you anticipate experiencing as you implement this practice?
What resources (teacher and student) are needed to perform this practice?
How will this practice affect student achievement?
What other practices could be integrated with argumentation?

6. With the members of your grade level or content area group, complete and submit the following to your facilitator(s) by the end of the day:
Modify a lesson that you currently teach, or an investigation that students conduct, so that it includes the practice of argumentation and explanation. (Be explicit in your planning. The lesson should be from start to finish).
Each person in the group should choose a different lesson, but work collaboratively to modify the lesson.
Identify other SEPs that will be integrated as a result of
implementing argumentation and explanation.
Beginning steps…