Experiences, Patterns, and Explanations

by: Kristin L. Gunckel

In an activity sequence that took place over several days, the class learned about sound and how people hear sounds. Following each activity, students engaged in whole-group sharing sessions and individual journal-writing sessions that were designed to help them see the patterns that emerged from their explorations. The activities were carefully chosen to illustrate these patterns using the Experiences-Patterns-Explanations (EPE) model of science. In this article, the author describes how EPE can be used to help students connect explanations to patterns in experiences.

Details

Type Journal ArticlePub Date 9/1/2010Stock # sc10_048_01_46Volume 048Issue 01

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Susanne Hokkanen (Orland Park, IL)
Susanne Hokkanen (Orland Park, IL)

Using Patterns to Teach Science

This article is a great match for the most recent NGSS webseminar on Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns. The author does a good job of explaining the importance of using patterns noted within ... See More

Betty Paulsell (Kansas City, MO)
Betty Paulsell (Kansas City, MO)

Stepping

This article emphasizes letting students experience science before trying to learn facts. They should look for patterns and then form explanations. The article deals with sounds experience... See More

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