Curriculum and Pedagogy for Primary Science DCS100 Curriculum and Pedagogy for Primary Science Introduction to the Science Learning Cycle (the 5E Model)

An Introduction to the Science Learning Cycle (the 5E Model) Agenda for this session Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum Objectives of this session What is Science Inquiry? Approaches to Science Inquiry The 5E Learning model Applications of the 5E model in primary science

Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum

? ? ? ? ? Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum So… … what is all these talk about… ? ? ? ? ? Anyone…?

Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum Scientific inquiry is defined as “…the activities and processes which scientists and students engage in to study the natural and physical world around us.” (MOE, 2008, p.11) Your students are expected to… 1. ask questions w.r.t. daily life, society & environment 2. collect and use evidences 3. formulate and communicate explanations Demonstration

Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum MOE, 2008, p.11-12 Please refer to the handout given. Use all or several of the essential features of science as inquiry in your lessons… Structure your approach towards the left of the table…GRADUALLY (to meet the needs of your students)

Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum Inquiry lessons are to involve… hands-on learning, from concrete to abstract situate learning in realistic (authentic) contexts … so design learning activities that require active engagements of students to DO something that relates to their REAL LIFE experiences…

Requirements of the Primary Science Curriculum MOE, 2008, p.15. Read also the misconceptions on science inquiry lessons

Objectives of this session Now that you are aware of the MOE’s requirements… let’s look at what else we can do… Is science inquiry really that difficult & scary?? What are the known approaches of science inquiry? The 5E Learning model…one possible approach. What others have done using the 5E model… What I can try (to do or to find out) with students

3. What is Science Inquiry? Is science inquiry really that difficult & scary?? List your concerns here: How we can overcome:

4. Approaches to Science Inquiry Three possible approaches… The generative learning model (Osbourne & Freyberg, 1985) The interactive model (Faire & Cosgrove, 1988) The 5E model (Australian Academy Science, 1994; 2005). Dawson, V. & Venville, G. (2007). The art of teaching primary science. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.

4. Approaches to Science Inquiry The generative learning model (Osbourne & Freyberg, 1985)

4. Approaches to Science Inquiry 2. The interactive model (Faire & Cosgrove, 1988)

4. Approaches to Science Inquiry The 5E model (Australian Academy Science, 1994; 2005)

Origins of BSCS 5E Instructional Model Traced back to early 20th century Begins with the works of Johann Herbart on philosophy and psychology Psychology of learning can be synthesized into an instructional model based on students’ current knowledge and their new ideas - connections between prior knowledge and new knowledge form ideas Teacher explains ideas that students did not discover Teacher provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding

Who developed the 5E Model? Developed by the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS) Led by Principal Investigator Rodger Bybee, who developed the model for constructivism The team then called the model “Five Es” Other models have been adapted from this model including 6E and 7E models

The BSCS, 5E Model for Inquiry-based Learning (Bybee, 2002) The 5E Learning model The BSCS, 5E Model for Inquiry-based Learning (Bybee, 2002)

Effectiveness of 5E Model Rests on foundation of contemporary research on student learning Expose students to a subject domain that arise naturally in problem situations Activities are structured in a way that students are able to explore, explain, extend and evaluate their progress Ideas are best explained when students see a need or a reason for their use - see relevant uses of their knowledge to make sense of what they are learning

Effectiveness of 5E Model Goal Support Reported in America’s Lab Report (NRC, 2006) Learning Cycle (Other) BSCS 5E Instructional Model* Mastery of Subject Matter Is no better or worse than other modes of instruction Has strong evidence of increased mastery compared with other modes of Scientific Reasoning Aids the development of some aspects Has adequate evidence of the development of more -sophisticated aspects Shows some of more-sophisticated Understanding of the Nature of Science Shows little improvement Has inadequate evidence Interest in evidence of increased interest Has greater increased interest

Applications of 5E Model State science frameworks - outline science expectations for student achievement in science - include content standard and benchmarks - assessment, models of instructions, professional development, role of technology Institutes of higher education—general courses, teacher education Curriculum (e.g. textbooks, units, modules) Specific lesson plans Informal education (e.g., museums, media) Professional development opportunities Non-science disciplines

6. Applications of the 5E model in primary science Classroom Case Studies Teaching Science as Inquiry Based on Classroom 1 to 6, briefly describe the case scenario and identify if inquiry is used as a teaching tool in the classroom. Why?

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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