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

2. Science Content
Concepts Process Skills
of Science 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  Demonstration
focus student’s  Reading
attention, stimulate  Free Write
their thinking, and
access prior
 Analyze a Graphic
knowledge. Organizer
 KWL
Student asks questions such as,
Why did this happen?
 Brainstorming
What do I already know about this?
What have I found out about this?
Shows interest in the topic.

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

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

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

9. Evaluate
 Activity which allows  Any of the Previous
the teacher to assess Activities
student performance  Develop a Scoring
and/or Tool or Rubric
understandings of  Performance
concepts, skills, Assessment
processes, and
applications.
 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. Attention-focusing questions
Have you seen?
Do you notice? Engage Measuring & Counting and
Comparison Questions
How many?
How long?
Evaluate Explore In how
many ways?
5 E’s
Action &
Science Lesson
Problem-
Solving
Question
s
What happens if… Elaborate Explain
Can you find a way to…

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

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