The effects of using an inquiry-approach through the 5 E lesson format on middle school earth and space science students

Abstract

In this investigation an inquiry-based instructional approach called the 5 E Learning Cycle was implemented with the purpose of improving students' learning in science and improving students' ability to understand and apply inquiry. The effects of this 5 E Learning Cycle on 8th grade Earth and Space Science students were studied in a small public middle school. Additionally, this project looked at the effects of the 5 E Learning Cycle on teacher instruction. Instructional lessons were planned and presented using the 5 E Learning Cycle while pre-, mid.-, and post- formal and summative assessments were collected to show its effects on students and the teacher. Through these assessments, science learning of the state standards increased, while the ability to understand and apply inquiry got better at first, but then showed a decrease in getting better. The teacher's role in the classroom changed, as did the way she planned and presented each lesson and guided the class. Promoting inquiry in the classroom increased.