Description:

This hands-on session unlocks the power of inquiry-based learning by guiding educators through the “explore before explain” approach, an instructional shift that puts student thinking at the center. Participants will experience strategies that prioritize student-driven exploration and sensemaking before formal explanations are introduced. Through engaging activities, educators will learn how to design lessons where students observe, question, experiment, and collaborate as they interact with scientific phenomena. The session highlights how this approach supports science and engineering practices, develops conceptual understanding, and nurtures curiosity. Leave with practical tools to build a classroom culture where students construct knowledge and deepen critical thinking.

Delivery Format: In-Person|Virtual|Hybrid|Implementation Support|Coaching Support

Target Audience: Pre-Service Teacher|Classroom Teachers|Instructional Coaches|School Administrators|District Administrators

Duration: Workshop (60-90 minutes)|Half-Day (3 hours)|Full Day (6 hours)|Yearlong Coaching Series

Facilitators:

Learning Intentions:

• I can experience the “explore before explain” approach through inquiry-based activities.
• I can understand the research and rationale supporting student-centered, exploratory learning.
• I can design opportunities for students to observe, question, and investigate before receiving direct instruction.
• I can apply science and engineering practices through active learning.
• I can build a classroom culture that values curiosity and sensemaking.

Grade Level: Elementary|Middle|High

Success Criteria:

• I can explain the purpose of engaging students in argument from evidence.
• I can model how to help students construct claims supported by evidence and reasoning.
• I can facilitate classroom discussions where students justify their thinking using data.
• I can apply strategies that promote critical thinking and evidence evaluation in science instruction.

Expected Impact:

increased student engagement, improved conceptual understanding, and stronger connections to real-world scientific practices; classrooms where student curiosity drives inquiry; enhanced alignment with the science and engineering practices and three-dimensional learning.

Testimonials: <p>This professional learning was exactly what our teachers needed. The hands-on watershed and cell theory activities modeled how to make challenging content more engaging and accessible for students. The explore-before-explain approach, especially with the Atomic Theory and watershed lessons, showed us how to spark curiosity and get students actively doing science before we ever step in with explanations. The consensus maps and charts were powerful tools for increasing student discourse and helping learners build understanding together. Teachers left excited to use these 5E strategies to transform units that are often seen as ‘boring’ into meaningful, student-centered investigations. What stood out most was how every activity prioritized sensemaking, collaboration, and concrete learning experiences. Our teachers can’t wait to share these strategies across the district.</p>
<p>District Science Leader</p>