DECISION CASES

Content students have to use.

Short, evidence-driven learning experiences for Grades 6–8 that move students beyond recalling content to analyzing evidence, solving problems, reconsidering ideas, and defending their reasoning.

Science • Math • ELA

A UGEDU Decision Case begins with a problem, situation, or claim that students must investigate. Students examine evidence, make an initial decision, encounter new information that may challenge their thinking, and decide whether their conclusion should change.

The first answer is not the end of the lesson. It is where the reasoning begins.

ENCOUNTER → EXAMINE EVIDENCE → INITIAL DECISION → CHALLENGE REVEAL → REVISE → DEFEND

See a Science Decision Case in 90 Seconds

See how evidence, decision-making, new information, and revision come together in a short, classroom-ready Science Decision Case.

31 Science Decision Cases • 4 Math Decision Cases • 4 ELA Decision Cases

How a Decision Case Works

Each case follows a consistent reasoning routine. Students do more than answer a question—they make a decision, test it against evidence, and decide whether their thinking should change.

1. ENCOUNTER
   Students enter a realistic problem, situation, claim, or decision that creates a reason to use the academic content.
2. EXAMINE EVIDENCE
   Students work through carefully selected evidence-data, texts, models, observations, source information, or other relevant material.
3. MAKE AN INITIAL DECISION. Students use the available evidence to reach an initial conclusion and explain the reasoning behind it.
4. CHALLENGE REVEAL
   New information complicates the situation. Students must determine whether the new evidence strengthens, weakens, or changes their original thinking.
5. REVISE
   Students reconsider their decision. They may keep it, modify it, or change it-but they must explain why.
6. DEFEND THE REASONING
   Students use evidence and academic reasoning to justify their final conclusion.

Students are not rewarded simply for changing their minds. They are expected to change their conclusions when the evidence warrants it—and defend them when it does not.

Choose Your Subject

Explore classroom-ready Decision Cases in Science, Math, and ELA. Each subject uses the same evidence-driven reasoning process while challenging students to apply the knowledge and skills of that discipline.

SCIENCE — 31 Decision Cases

Investigate scientific phenomena, evaluate data and models, solve problems, and defend conclusions using evidence and scientific reasoning.

MATH — 4 Decision Cases

Use mathematical reasoning to evaluate claims, interpret data, solve real-world problems, compare possible solutions, and defend decisions with mathematical evidence.

ELA — 4 Decision Cases

Analyze texts and sources, evaluate competing claims, identify missing information, and make evidence-based decisions. Students strengthen reading comprehension, critical thinking, and argumentation as they reconsider and defend their conclusions.

Built for Real Classrooms

Designed by a retired middle-school teacher with 27 years of classroom experience, UGEDU Decision Cases combine meaningful academic challenges with practical classroom implementation. The goal is straightforward: help teachers move students beyond recalling information to using what they know to solve problems, evaluate evidence, and defend their reasoning.

• Short, focused lessons: Designed to fit within a class period, with timing guidance provided for individual cases.
• Low preparation: Structured student materials, evidence files, and teacher guidance reduce planning demands.
• Content students actually use: Students apply academic knowledge to investigate problems, interpret evidence, and make decisions.
• Built-in reconsideration: A Challenge Reveal introduces new information and requires students to examine whether their original conclusion still holds.
• Teacher-supported instruction: Facilitation guidance, suggested responses, and opportunities for discussion help teachers support student reasoning.

Teach the content. Make students use it.

For Schools & Instructional Leaders

Looking for practical ways to strengthen student reasoning across classrooms?

UGEDU Decision Cases give schools and instructional teams a consistent approach to helping students apply academic content, evaluate evidence, solve problems, reconsider conclusions, and defend their thinking.

Available in Science, Math, and ELA for Grades 6–8, Decision Cases can support classroom instruction, collaborative planning, and professional conversations about student reasoning.

• A consistent instructional routine: The same evidence → decision → challenge → revision process across subjects.
• Standards-connected learning: Subject-specific academic challenges designed around relevant grade-level learning expectations.
• Instructional flexibility: Short, structured experiences that teachers can incorporate into existing instruction.
• Opportunities to examine student thinking: Student decisions, revisions, and written reasoning provide material for instructional discussion and feedback.

Interested in exploring Decision Cases for a department, school, or instructional team? Review the School & Instructional Leader Overview or contact UGEDU to discuss sample materials, a brief walkthrough, or a possible classroom pilot.