Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Walter WoolbaughDodge, Michelle Marie2018-03-192018-03-192017https://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/13652This action research project evaluates the effectiveness of the 5E instructional model in a 9th grade environmental science classroom to engage students and improve their ability to apply scientific knowledge to new situations. In this study the 5E instructional model was compared with the traditional approach of the direct teach instructional method. Student assessments, surveys, and interviews were used to gauge whether the 5E instructional model aided in student ability to apply knowledge and engage in classroom experiences. Teacher observations, an engagement tally, and teacher journals were also utilized to evaluate teaching effectiveness and student learning. In this study, the role of the teacher in the classroom within these two instructional models was compared. This study indicated a slight advantage of using the 5E instructional model over direct teach, however both methods of instruction can be effective tools in classroom teaching.en5E learning cycleEnvironmental sciencesEducation, SecondaryInquiry-based learningIndividualized instructionProfessional PaperCopyright 2017 by Michelle Marie Dodge