Using the 5E Model in STEM Instruction

• Engage: Cultivate student interest.
• Explore: Allow students to investigate and make connections.
• Explain: Teach and guide students through lesson content.
• Engineer: Give students the chance to apply their new knowledge via hands-on learning.
• Evaluate: Give students time to reflect and refine their thoughts.

In the modern STEM classroom, there is certainly no shortage of fascinating STEM content to keep you and your students learning, practically, until the end of time. However, figuring out how to present and implement this STEM content in a productive and effective way can be a real challenge. Luckily, we have the 5E model on our side.

The 5E model of instruction is a teaching method designed to guide students through the critical stages of learning, providing them with direction and structure as they apply prior knowledge and develop new knowledge along the way. This model, backed by years of extensive research, puts your students in the pilot’s seat, empowering them to conduct their own investigations and to develop their own explanations as they learn to think and solve problems like real STEM professionals.

The 5E model is made up of five distinct stages: Engage, Explore, Explain, Engineer, and Evaluate.

ENGAGE

In this first stage of the 5E model, the goal is to capture the interest of your students. In order to avoid confusion and discouragement among your students, the content in this stage should be kept simple yet engaging. Consider conducting a group activity that both gauges the prior knowledge of your students and gradually introduces them to new content. Consider starting a facilitated group discussion, watching a video, or even playing a game. Foster student curiosity by presenting your class with questions about the topic at hand, encouraging them to pursue the answers to these questions in the later stages of the 5E model.

EXPLORE

Next, give your students the opportunity to explore the subject introduced in the “Engage” stage. This exploration activity can take the form of a research/worksheet activity, a visit to the library, or a field trip. As students investigate, they should develop a deeper understanding of the topic at hand before moving on to the next stage of the 5E model.

EXPLAIN

In this next stage, teacher-led instruction is the name of the game. As a class, review the content that students encountered in the “Explore” stage. This is the perfect time for students to ask questions. Answer any questions and clear up any misconceptions that students might have. Use a slide presentation to present students with the technical information they will need throughout the rest of the 5E lesson. Utilizing images and videos in your presentation can be very helpful in this explanation stage.

ENGINEER

In this fourth stage of the 5E model, students apply what they have learned and engage in a hands-on learning activity. Whatever task you assign to your students, make sure they understand the criteria and constraints of the project. Give them time to tinker and build and encourage innovation and creativity. As students work their way through the project, provide them with guidance and instruction.

EVALUATE

In this final stage of the 5E model, students are guided to reflect upon and evaluate their learning experience thus far. This could take the form of a formal assessment (like a quiz, a self-assessment, or peer-assessment) or even a simple, informal classroom discussion. In this stage, be sure to encourage critical thinking in your students as they mentally revisit and review their experience through the stages of the 5E model of instruction.

— Dr. Jake Roark