Let’s Argue About It!
2013 Regional National Science Teacher
Association Conference, Charlotte, NC
1
AGENDA
1) What is scientific argumentation?
Dr. Rita Hagevik, Graduate Director of Science Education
MA and MAT in middle and secondary science education and
MA non-licensure in science education degrees
2) Classroom examples and activities:
a) Chris Spencer (MAT HS) – Introducing the process of
scientific argumentation lesson
b) Jennifer Spivey (MAT HS) – Place-based community example
and lesson on using scientific argumentation
3) Things to remember when organizing scientific argumentation units
and lessons
4) Handouts and additional information can be found at
www.uncp.edu/biology (science education link on left hand side of the
webpage)
5) Other resources from NSTA - Questions?
The Uses of Argument
(1958, revised 2003)
Cambridge University Press
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Claim
Fact/Grounds/Data
(Evidence)
Warrant
(Chain of Reason)
Backing
Rebuttal
Qualifier
CLAIM
EVIDENCE
JUSTIFICATION OR A REASON
Progression of argument
Greater sophistication
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Middle Level
High School
Make a claim
and use
evidence
Construct and
support
scientific
arguments
drawing on
evidence, data,
or a model.
Consider other
ideas.
Construct and
present oral
and written
arguments
supported by
empirical
evidence and
reasoning to
support or
refute an
explanation
for a
phenomenon.
Construct a
counterargument that
is based in
data and
evidence that
challenges
another
proposed
argument.
6
 What
is this
thing called
Science?
 How does it
work?


Problem

Claim: I believe…

Evidence: Why…
Reasoning: Because….Claim and
Evidence

Watch the following video clip and
identify what you believe to be the
problem:
Godzilla started out as a Godzillasaur, on the island of Lagos in the
pacific. During World War II, the island was used as a battleground.
Godzilla wiped out the soldiers, but he was also shot, and left to die.
But the when the first atomic bomb was tested on nearby Bikini
Island, it mutated the dinosaur into Godzilla.
After
Before
Abilities: finest armor ever built by the USNC
(titanium suit), superhuman strength,
superhuman speed, superhuman agility,
excellent hand-to-hand combat, and
excellent marksman ship.
 Personal info: Master Chief is the main
character of Halo comic series by Marvel
Comics. Master Chief is a genetically
augmented super soldier for the USNC and
is one of the few survivors of the SPARTAN II
project. He is one of the greatest if not the
greatest soldier in UNSC history.

Abilities: Super sayian transformation (for
improved power), energy blast, solar flares,
super human strength, superhuman speed,
master of martial arts and fighting, and can
use instant teleportation.
 Personal info: An uncultured, simple-minded
guy who loves getting stronger and being
challenged above all else, but will always
use his power to protect his home and
loved ones.

Abilities: Super cuteness (allows her to be
loved by all), ability to talk, ability to win
people’s hearts, can bake and cook
anything.
 Personal info: Hello Kitty is a very
energetic juvenile female; she “loves to
play outdoors, in the park or forest. But
you can also find her happily practicing
on the piano or baking a cake, too.”


Abilities: Enormously
strong strength, body is
superhumanly durable
and nearly impervious
to force, pain, and
disease, her skin can
withstand extremes of
temperature, as well
as tremendous stresses
and impacts without
puncture wounds or
lacerations, remains
highly intelligent when
she changes.

Personal info: As the
cousin of Bruce
Banner, Jen Walters
received her abilities
when she had a
transfusion of blood
from her gammapowered cousin. She
usually has the ability
to change into her
She-Hulk form on
demand, and usually
retains her intellect
after the change as
well

Abilities: Genius level
intellect, indomitable will
(unstoppable
determination),
intimidation,
interrogation, peak
human conditioning,
and human acrobat.
(No super powers)

Personal info: A man
dressed like a bat that
fights against evil and
strikes terror into the hearts
of criminals everywhere. In
his secret identity he
is Bruce Wayne, billionaire
industrialist and notorious
playboy. Although he has
no superhuman powers, he
is one of the world's
smartest men and greatest
fighters. His physical
prowess and technical
ingenuity make him an
incredibly dangerous
opponent.
Complete you Superhero Savior outline
in order to help solve the people of
Lagos Island problem.
 Afterwards write a cover letter to the
people of Lagos explaining which
superhero you believe can solve their
problem.

SAVE THE TRAPS!
Jennifer Spivey
South Columbus High School
MAT Secondary Science
2013-2014 Kenan Fellow
Darwin’s Theory Of Natural Selection
http://science.discovery.com/games-andinteractives/charles-darwin-game.htm
Why did the species survive?
Claim:
Evidence:
Justification:
Venus Fly Trap
Dionaea muscipula Ellis
The Evolution of the “Trap”
Shrinking Territory
Southeastern Community College
Whiteville, NC
Agriculture Biotechnology
2 –year program
Micropropagation of
Venus Fly Trap
Micropropagation
What is your argument?
Would the use of
micropropagated
Venus Fly Trap clones be
beneficial in conservation
efforts?
How can I support students in arguments?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
38
Provide a framework
Model and describe the framework
Provide them with examples
Let them know why it is important
Have them critique each other’s written
arguments
Allow them to debate ideas
Provide them with various scaffolds
More Information
Lessons
and handouts can be found at
www.uncp.edu/biology
NSTA journals and the NSTA has webinars on
teaching scientific argumentation
McNeill (elementary and middle) and
Sampson (high school) books
The Next Generation Science Standards (2013)
Questions??

Rita Hagevik, rita.hagevik@uncp.edu

Chris Spencer, cms020@bravemail.uncp.edu

Jennifer Spivey, jls073@bravemail.uncp.edu

www.uncp.edu/biology for handouts and ppts