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Example: Next Generation Science Standards

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Example: Next Generation Science Standards

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An introduction to the three dimensions of science; science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.

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NGSS - Next Generation Science Standards

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WHAT IS THE 5E MODEL OF SCIENCE INSTRUCTION

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WHAT IS THE 5E MODEL OF SCIENCE INSTRUCTION

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Streamline the process of planning and implementing a student-led inquiry-based learning method. It provides a template, a pattern for lesson planning.

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The 5E Model of Instruction was exactly what I needed to streamline the process of planning and implementing a student-led inquiry-based learning method. It provides a template, a pattern for lesson planning, and guides the teacher in this better way of teaching science.

This blog post is part of a series of posts on the 5E Instructional Model for teaching science. The first two posts in the series explain why we love the 5E model and why teachers should use the 5E model. This post gives an overview of each component of the 5E Model.

There are five phases of the 5E model: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Extension, and Evaluation.

In the 5E Instructional Model, science instruction is primarily a student-led and inquiry-based. The teacher is a facilitator, guiding the student through questions, investigations, experiences, and research. In the end, students arrive at a deep understanding of fundamental scientific concepts. Each stage of the model serves as a foundation to the next, creating a coherent model that frames lessons, activities, and units.

he 5E Instructional Model was created in 1987 by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). It has since been improved and refined, bringing it to its current model. For more information on the history of and philosophy behind BSCS 5E Instructional Model, there are several video clips on their website https://bscs.org/bscs-5e-instructional-model.

Stage 1: Engagement Phase

In the Engagement stage, the teacher connects the current concept with prior experience and understanding. Students ask questions. Misconceptions are noted by the teacher, but not corrected yet. Students start to develop a framework for the concept to be studied. By the end of the engagement phase, student interest is piqued and they are ready to explore more about the topic.

Stage 2: Exploration Phase

Once interest has been generated, the student is ready to begin exploring the concept. At this stage, the teacher provides a hands-on activity. Students investigate a problem and begin to pose real questions, develop hypotheses, and test certain variables. The key concepts in the topic are identified and students develop the skills needed to test these.

At this stage, students are refining their laboratory skills as well as their understanding of the scientific method. Students work cooperatively in groups and are provided time to reflect on the results of their investigations.

The teacher is not yet providing direct instruction. Rather, he or she is leading students through inquiry-based questions. Even though questions are posed, answers are not yet sought.

Stage 3: Explanation Phase

This is the stage when connections are made. Prior knowledge is connected to current findings. Students develop explanations for their observations.

The teacher answers student questions. Vocabulary is defined and concepts are explained. The teacher elicits student discussion and builds upon class discussions. While this is the direct instruction phase, it is still presented in a collaborative fashion. If there is a lecture, students gather together to discuss what they have learned.

Students are now beginning to understand the new concepts. In many cases, this knowledge is specific to the exact applications they have studied. For example, if they learned about the butterfly life cycle, students may not understand that this life cycle is similar to the ant, fly, and mosquito life cycles. They may not be prepared to compare and contrast it to the grasshopper, frog, or mammal life cycles.

Students need to internalize what they have learned. This enables them to generalize the new information and have a broader application of their new knowledge. They need time and opportunity to practice and apply what they know. That is why the next two stages are so important.

Stage 4: Extension Phase

In many traditional educational models, exploration and explanation are the sum total of instruction. After these two stages, the teacher moves on to a new unit.

However, research shows that students need to connect what they have learned to something concrete in their understanding of the world around them. They need to generalize this understanding in order for it to turn into real knowledge and skills acquisition. This is what happens in the extension stage.

All the knowledge and vocabulary that the student has gained is now elaborated upon and explored. It is applied to previous investigations and used to formulate hypotheses. These hypotheses are tested in new investigations. Students take data and draw conclusions. In their investigations, they use newly acquired terms and concepts in conversation and writing.

Stage 5: Evaluation Phase

Now it is time for students to evaluate their own learning. This can be a tempting stage to skip, moving directly to the unit test instead. However, studies have shown that when students use metacognitive skills (thinking about what they are thinking), their depth of learning increases.

At this stage, students compare their previous understanding to their new knowledge. They are able to prove what they know in writing, conversation, and demonstration.

Teachers evaluate the learning that has taken place through performance, informal, and formal assessments. They review the student misconceptions that were identified throughout the unit and make sure that all misconceptions have been corrected. Teachers provide a problem scenario to which student should apply their new knowledge. Students can provide written and/or oral evidence of understanding the science concepts.

The 5E Model of Science Instruction is the best way to achieve a depth of scientific understanding. It transcends mere recitation of science facts and gets students to think scientifically.

When teachers facilitate this kind of student learning, students are better able to apply what they know to a broader variety of situations. Not only will scores improve on the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) achievement test, but students will be better prepared for science classes in the future. Students will find more enjoyment in the science lessons which provides them with a greater opportunity for pursuing a career in the sciences.

This blog post is part of a series of posts on the 5E Instructional Model for teaching science.

Here are links to the other articles in this series:

We are creating NGSS-aligned 5E Unit Plans for elementary classrooms, starting with Third Grade. The 5E Unit Plans are available for purchase on Teachers Pay Teachers. In these lessons, students are led through each NGSS Performance Expectation (not the DCI) using the 5E Model of Instruction.

The 5E Unit Plans can be purchased in these BUNDLE options or individually:
Physical Science Force and Motion Static Electricity & Magnetism
Are you interested in receiving a set of 5E Posters? These posters can be displayed individually or taped together to create a chart like you see here.

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What Is the 5E Model of Science Instruction

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The 5E Model of Instruction was exactly what I needed to streamline the process of planning and implementing a student-led inquiry-based learning method. It provides a template, a pattern for lesson planning, and guides the teacher in this better way of teaching science.

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Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

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Three-Dimensional Science Assessments (image courtesy Achieve and Georgia Science Teachers Association) As Wisconsin implements new three-dimensional standards and assessments, educators will need to work together to understand what "three-dimensional" means for science instruction. Sharing initial resources and processes will be a critical piece of moving forward as a state.

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Click on the links below to access the Performance Tasks developed by Task Authors through 3DSPA.

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Next Generation Science Standards Classroom Assessments, Homework, Videos, Lesson Plans

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5020 Resources for Next Generation Science Standards. Free Videos, Quizzes, Assessments, Homework Assignments, from the Worlds Largest K-12 Library.