Using Wipebooks to Make Student Thinking Visible Through Phenomena-Based Modeling

Science is all about making sense of the world, and phenomena-based instruction helps students connect their learning to real-world events. Whether it’s why leaves change color in the fall, how predators and prey interact, or why a soda can collapses when rapidly cooled, engaging students with phenomena sparks curiosity and promotes deeper learning. But how do we capture student thinking in a way that allows for revision, collaboration, and sensemaking?

That’s where Wipebooks come in! These reusable dry-erase surfaces are perfect tools for developing and using models, helping students construct, test, and refine their ideas as they uncover scientific explanations.

Why Use Wipebooks for Phenomena-Based Modeling?

• Encourages Iteration – Students can easily revise their models as they gather new evidence, just like scientists do.
• Supports Collaboration – Groups can co-construct models, analyze each other’s work, and improve their explanations.
• Makes Thinking Visible – Teachers can quickly assess student understanding and identify misconceptions.
• Reduces Fear of Mistakes – Because Wipebooks are erasable, students feel comfortable taking risks and adjusting their models.

How to Use Wipebooks for Science Modeling with Phenomena

  1. Start with an Anchoring Phenomenon

     Choose an engaging phenomenon that sparks student curiosity. For example:

• Why do some lakes freeze from the top down instead of the bottom up? (Properties of water)
• How does a balloon shrink when placed in liquid nitrogen? (Gas laws & temperature)
• Why do athletes “carb-load” before a marathon? (Macromolecules & energy)

  2. Have Students Create Initial Models

    Before any instruction, ask students to draw their initial models of how they think the phenomenon works. Encourage them to use labels, arrows, and descriptions to show their reasoning.

  3. Investigate & Gather Evidence

  As students conduct investigations, analyze data, or engage in discussions, have them modify their models on the Wipebooks to incorporate new evidence.

  4. Facilitate Peer Critique & Discussion

  Use gallery walks or partner swaps where students review others’ models, ask questions, and provide suggestions for improvement.

  5. Finalize & Justify the Model

  Students create their final revised model and explain how their thinking evolved. This could be done through a quick presentation, a video explanation, or a class discussion.

Bringing It All Together

Using Wipebooks for phenomena-based modeling, students engage in authentic scientific thinking—constructing explanations, refining ideas, and making sense of the world. Plus, the ability to erase and revise fosters a growth mindset and deeper learning.

Try it out! Next time you introduce a phenomenon, hand out Wipebooks and let students take charge of their learning through iterative modeling. Their thinking will become visible—and so will their scientific reasoning!