From “I Don’t Know” to CER: Using AI to Unlock Student Thinking.

We’ve all heard it: “I don’t know what to write.” Students can collect data, but when it comes to explaining their thinking, they shut down. So how do we help them move beyond the blank page and into clear, confident scientific reasoning? In this profile station, I share how I tackle this challenge in a middle school classroom using the Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER) framework. Through practical, ready-to-use strategies, I show how students can move from simply stating answers to building strong, evidence-based explanations. I also explore how AI can be used the right way; as a thinking partner, not a shortcut. When used intentionally, AI helps scaffold student thinking, deepen reasoning, and support writing without taking away student voice. Walk away with strategies you can use immediately to boost student confidence, strengthen reasoning, and transform how your students explain their thinking.