5E Instructional Model

Background

The five phases of the 5E Instructional Model are designed to facilitate the process of conceptual change. The use of this model brings coherence to different teaching strategies, provides connections among educational activities, and helps science teachers make decisions about interactions with students.

Each phase of the model and a short phrase to indicate its purpose from a student perspective are:

• • Engage - students' prior knowledge accessed and interest engaged in the phenomenon

  • Explore - students participate in an activity that facilitates conceptual change

  • Explain - students generate an explanation of the phenomenon

  • Elaboration/Extend - students' understanding of the phenomenon challenged and deepened through new experiences through application

  • Evaluation - students assess their understanding of the phenomenon