1. The 5 E Instructional Model
A Framework for
Inquiry-Based Instruction

2. Process Skills of Science
Science Content
Concepts of Science
Process Skills of Science
Observing
Communicating
Classifying
Measuring
Relating objects in space & time
Predicting
Inferring
Controlling variables
Defining operationally
Experimenting

3. Science Process Skills
Observing
Communicating
Classifying
Measuring
Relating objects in space & time
Predicting
Inferring
Controlling variables
Defining operationally
Experimenting

4. Engage
Evaluate
Explore
5 E’s
Science Lesson
Elaborate
Explain

5. Engage
Activity which will focus student’s attention, stimulate their thinking, and access prior knowledge.
Demonstration
Reading
Free Write
Analyze a Graphic Organizer
KWL
Brainstorming
Student asks questions such as,
Why did this happen?
What do I already know about this?
What have I found out about this?
Shows interest in the topic.

6. Explore
Activity which gives students time to think and investigate/test/make decisions/problem solve, and collect information.
Perform an Investigation
Read Authentic Resources to Collect Information
Solve a Problem
Construct a Model

7. Explain
Activity which allows students to analyze their exploration. Student’s understanding is clarified and modified through a reflective activity.
Student Analysis & Explanation
Supporting Ideas with Evidence
Structured Questioning
Reading and Discussion
Teacher Explanation
Thinking Skill Activities: compare, classify, error analysis

8. Elaborate
Activity which expands and solidifies student thinking and/or applies it to a real-world situation.
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Experimental Inquiry
Thinking Skill Activities: compare, classify, apply

9. Evaluate
Activity which allows the teacher to assess student performance and/or understandings of concepts, skills, processes, and applications.
Any of the Previous Activities
Develop a Scoring Tool or Rubric
Performance Assessment
Produce a Product
Journal Entry
Portfolio

10. Types of Questions Attention Focusing: Have you seen? Do you notice?
Measuring & Counting: How many? How long?
Comparison (for sharper observation): In how many ways are your seeds alike and how do they differ?
Action: What happens if… you place your pill bug in damp sand? …you pinch the seedleaves off a young plant?
Problem-posing (more sophisticated, follows exploration & understanding, not a good first question): Can you find a way to… make your plant grow sideways? Can you separate salt from water? Can you make a sinking object float?

11. Engage Evaluate Explore 5 E’s Science Lesson Elaborate Explain
Attention-focusing questions
Have you seen?
Engage
Do you notice?
Measuring & Counting and
Comparison Questions
How many?
How long?
Evaluate
Explore
In how
many ways?
5 E’s
Science Lesson
Action &
Problem-
Solving
Questions
Elaborate
Explain
What happens if…
Can you find a way to…

12. Earth Central Activities & 5Es
Introductory PowerPoint about Earth Systems (Richard)
Data Collection across Campus (GPS)
Plotting DATA from GPS to make maps
Introductory PowerPoint on Environmental Factors (Steve)
Designing/Carrying Out (& soon to be reporting on) Radish Inv.
Introductory GIS PowerPoint & Tutorial
Making lat./long. Rulers
Forum Interactions (online)
Engage
Explore
Explain
Elaborate
Evaluate

13. References Montgomery Public Schools
Harlen, W. (1985) Primary Science: Taking the Plunge
Trowbridge, L. W., Bybee, R. W., & Powell, J. C. (2000). Teaching secondary school science: Strategies for developing scientific literacy