Once students have constructed explanations of a phenomenon or design solutions for a problem, it is important to involve them in further experiences that apply, EXTEND, or ELABORATE the concepts, processes, or skills they are learning. Some students may still have misconceptions, or they may only understand a concept in terms of the exploratory experience. ELABORATE activities provide time for students to apply their understanding of concepts and skills. They might apply their understanding to similar phenomena or problems.

STUDENT BEHAVIORS

• Applies new labels, definitions, explanations, and skills in new, but similar, situations

• Uses previous information to ask questions, propose solutions, make decisions, design experiments, or complete a challenge

• Draws reasonable conclusions from evidence

• Critiques the models, explanations, or arguments made by others using evidence and reasoning

• Makes conceptual connections between new and previous experiences

• Communicates understanding to others

TEACHING STRATEGIES

• Expects students to use vocabulary, definitions, and explanations provided previously in new contexts

• Encourages students to apply the concepts and skills in new situations

• Provides additional evidence, explanations, or reasoning

• Reinforces students’ use of scientific terms and descriptions previously introduced

• Asks questions that help students draw reasonable conclusions from evidence and data