CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) is an awesome way for students to communicate their scientific claims by connecting them with supporting evidence and linking them to “textbook” ideas and reasons. In Post #12, we use jellybeans as a low-barrier-to-entry example to introduce CER to students (click here to check it out). However, outside of food, what’s another simple, fun CER example teachers can use? Perhaps something all students have experience in? Outside of food, music seems to be the next fun thing.

Like food, there’s a lot of variety in music and a lot of different musical tastes too. In this simple, fun CER example, we use boy band music to introduce CER. If you think about it, every generation has their own boy band. In the 1950s and 60s, it was the Beatles and the Monkees. New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC were on the scene in the 1990s and early 2000s. Today (in 2019), the Jonas Brothers are making a come back alongside K-pop boy bands like BTS. There is not one student (or adult) who has not heard (or guiltily sang along to) a boy band song. Hence, it is one fun CER example both science students and teachers can relate (and perhaps sing) to. Free handouts are available to download at the end of this post.

Boy Band songs = One Fun CER Example

In 2018, Rolling Stone Magazine published a list titled “The 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of all time” – which is the inspiration behind this activity. I go over this list with all my students every year. The list always generates some laughs (and singing too!). But, more importantly, what songs are on and not on the list always leads to some great questions. For example, what criteria was used to rank boy band songs? How can judges objectively choose the “best” boy band song? Who were the judges that were contacted for this list? How old were these judges?

In this CER activity, students will develop their own small list of the best boy band songs of all time. The main goal of this activity is for students to develop their CER skills. In other words, students will get practice in developing a claim and supporting that claim with evidence and reasoning. They’ll need to ask themselves: what do I consider the best boy band songs of all time (ie. make a claim)? And, how can I support my claims objectively (ie. provide evidence)? What measurements can I take to support our claims (ex. Record sales, radio plays, current and past popularity)?

Field Notes

• Introduce the activity by saying that a list of the top 100 boy band songs was created by Billboard. You don’t need to go over the list yet. Instead, ask students which bands or songs they think are on the list. Invariably, this will lead to questions about what makes a good boy band song and who is judging boy band songs.
• I would ask students to put together their own list of top boy band songs of all time before going over the Billboard list. Have students present their list. When presenting, focus on student process. In other words, how did they select their songs? What evidence would they use to support their list?
• When you do go over the Billboard list, take note of the reason why judges felt “I Want it That Way” by the Backstreet Boys is considered the top boy band song of all time. Also note the reasons for other top ten songs on this list. Consider that the list is actually a critics choice list. Ask how we can objectively determine this list. How many variables would we measure and would each variable be equally weighted? Which variables would we measure?
• As an aside, which bands are on and not on the list also generates a fair number of questions too. For example, what is the definition of a boy band? If the Beatles are considered a boy band, is Queen or Coldplay considered boy bands too? Perhaps this can be a CER example that can be further discussed. Perhaps, students can develop a small list that answers the question what are the greatest boy bands of all time.

Wrap Up

CER is science skill that is relevant inside and outside the classroom. Unfortunately, many CER examples feature just lab data or information from science textbooks. I understand why teachers tend to use science examples to illustrate CER. However, having a simple CER example that is based on something outside the classroom is much more powerful. For one thing, it’s fun (which will get students to remember it better). Also, it forces students to approach an everyday problem with scientific thinking. And, ultimately, isn’t that the purpose of a science education? Click the link below to download our handouts for this post (the Billboard list of 100 Greatest Boy Band Songs of all time). Enter your email address up above too if you’re interested in receiving our e-newsletter, which regularly features useful science education resources. Lastly, please email a link of this post to your colleagues if you find it useful. Thanks!

Until next time, keep it REAL!

Resources

Handout(s): 54 – Billboard Top Boy Band Songs – Critics Pick

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