Summary of "5 E Instructional Model & Science Notebooks"
Summary of “5 E Instructional Model & Science Notebooks” Webinar
This webinar, led by Rebecca Crowley, K-12 Science and STEM Specialist at the Department of Education, focuses on integrating the 5E Instructional Model with science notebooks to support three-dimensional science instruction aligned with the new Arizona science standards. The session covers the rationale for using science notebooks, the components of the 5E model, and practical strategies for organizing and implementing notebooks in the classroom.
Main Ideas and Concepts
1. Introduction to the 5E Instructional Model and Science Notebooks
Goals:
- Understand how science notebooks support three-dimensional instruction per Arizona science standards.
- Discuss why science notebooks are effective learning tools.
- Deepen understanding of the 5E instructional model.
- Learn how to translate the 5E components into science notebook entries.
2. Three-Dimensional Science Instruction & Arizona Science Standards
- Arizona standards are framework-based, influenced by the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education.
- Three dimensions of instruction:
- Science and Engineering Practices: Eight practices describing behaviors scientists and engineers engage in.
- Cross-Cutting Concepts: Seven concepts such as causality, systems, patterns, energy, and matter.
- Disciplinary Core Ideas: Covering physical, life, earth, and space sciences, plus applying science in everyday life.
- Shift from rote memorization to student-driven inquiry, investigation, modeling, explaining, and arguing from evidence.
- Students actively engage in science performances, constructing explanations and applying concepts to novel phenomena.
3. Rationale for Using Science Notebooks
- Differentiation between journals, logs, and notebooks:
- Journals: Reflective writing after investigations.
- Logs: Data tracking during investigations.
- Notebooks: Comprehensive tools used before, during, and after investigations including questions, data, analysis, and reflections.
- Benefits of science notebooks:
- Promote student ownership of learning.
- Make thinking visible and organized.
- Support reflection and referencing prior learning.
- Facilitate student discourse and argumentation with evidence.
- Aid teachers in formative and summative assessment, differentiation, literacy, and collaboration.
- Serve as a planning tool for teachers.
4. Science and Engineering Practices in Notebooks
- Eight practices include:
- Asking questions
- Developing models
- Planning investigations
- Analyzing data
- Constructing explanations
- Arguing from evidence
- Communicating information
- Notebooks are ideal for documenting these practices and making student thinking visible.
5. Reflection on Educator Experience
- Educators self-assess their experience with science notebooks as novice, developing, or experienced.
- All levels are welcomed and collaboration is encouraged.
6. Overview of the 5E Instructional Model
- Developed by BSCS Colorado, based on natural problem-solving and inquiry learning cycles.
- Five phases:
- Engage: Spark curiosity, connect prior knowledge, identify misconceptions.
- Explore: Hands-on investigations, data collection, group work, teacher as facilitator.
- Explain: Analyze data, develop explanations, introduce academic language, defend reasoning.
- Elaborate: Extend understanding, apply concepts to new phenomena, design further investigations.
- Evaluate: Assess understanding, self-assess, teacher assess, adjust instruction as needed.
- The model can be applied in single lessons or extended units.
7. Connecting 5E Model to Three-Dimensional Instruction
- Engage: Introduce phenomena and generate student questions.
- Explore: Focus on science and engineering practices.
- Explain: Introduce academic language and deepen understanding.
- Elaborate: Use cross-cutting concepts to extend learning.
- Evaluate: Assess student progress and understanding.
8. Using Science Notebooks to Represent the 5E Model
Notebook components aligned with each 5E phase:
- Engage: Title, date, driving question, background/getting ready, I Notice/I Wonder charts.
- Explore: Materials checklist, safety check, data collection (observations, models, tables, graphs).
- Explain: Analysis and interpretation of data, graphic organizers (e.g., Claim-Evidence-Reasoning).
- Elaborate: Application to analogous phenomena, additional investigations, cross-cutting concepts.
- Evaluate: Summary tables, exit tickets, formative/summative assessments.
Color coding in notebooks can indicate:
- Science and engineering practices (blue)
- Instructional strategies (red)
9. Practical Tips for Implementing Science Notebooks
- Make notebooks a daily routine and integral part of lessons.
- Keep a teacher’s version of the notebook for planning and modeling.
- Model notebook use explicitly, including think-aloud strategies.
- Use sentence starters and frames to support student writing.
- Incorporate additional sheets (e.g., data tables) by shrinking and taping them into notebooks for easy flipping.
- Establish a consistent notebook format across grade levels if possible.
10. Reflecting and Setting Goals for Notebook Use
- Move from mechanical to insightful use of notebooks by encouraging thoughtful entries and active engagement.
- Set personal goals for improving notebook implementation.
- Use rubrics or notebook checks focused on organization rather than content grading.
- Conduct regular notebook checks (e.g., every three activities) to maintain accountability.
11. Q&A Highlights
- Rubrics are used for organization checks, not content mastery.
- Notebook checks involve students locating required components within their notebooks.
- Teachers do not necessarily collect notebooks frequently but ensure students keep them up to date.
Methodology / Instructions for Using Science Notebooks with the 5E Model
Engage Phase
- Record lesson title and date.
- Write a driving question related to the anchoring phenomenon.
- Complete background or “getting ready” activities (e.g., I Notice/I Wonder charts).
- Generate and categorize student questions (driving question board).
Explore Phase
- Check materials and safety protocols.
- Collect data: observations, models, tables, graphs.
- Document investigations and initial models.
Explain Phase
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Use graphic organizers (e.g., Claim-Evidence-Reasoning).
- Construct and defend explanations.
- Introduce and practice academic vocabulary.
Elaborate Phase
- Apply concepts to new but related phenomena.
- Design additional investigations.
- Explore cross-cutting concepts.
- Extend understanding beyond initial findings.
Evaluate Phase
- Summarize findings and learning.
- Use exit tickets or quick assessments.
- Reflect on progress and understanding.
- Teachers and students evaluate learning and plan next steps.
Notebook Maintenance Tips
- Keep notebooks organized and routinely updated.
- Model notebook use explicitly.
- Use sentence starters and frames.
- Add supplemental sheets by shrinking and taping them into notebooks.
- Conduct regular organizational notebook checks.
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Rebecca Crowley – K-12 Science and STEM Specialist, Department of Education (primary presenter)
- References to:
- National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) framework (Arizona is a framework-based state, not NGSS-adopting)
- BSCS Colorado (creators of the 5E Instructional Model)
- Authors of Science Notebooks: Writing About Inquiry (book referenced for notebook strategies)
- National Geographic (video used for phenomena example)
This summary encapsulates the key points, instructional strategies, and practical tips presented in the webinar to help educators effectively integrate the 5E instructional model with science notebooks aligned to Arizona’s three-dimensional science standards.
Category
Educational
