The Learning Cycle

The entire RiverWatch experience can be planned using the constructivist philosophy embodied in the Learning Cycle. The steps in the Learning Cycle provide an outline for RiverWatch lesson development.

The Six "E's"

The Learning Cycle provides a particularly useful teaching and learning model for any science unit. This model can also be referred to as the Six E's of the Learning Cycle.

Exploration

In the classroom, students first become engaged learners when their existing knowledge is challenged through questions and hands-on exploration.

Concept Invention

Old perceptions require modification and the collaborative construction of new explanations requires new vocabulary.

Concept Application

The actual RiverWatch field trip becomes an opportunity to connect and elaborate classroom understandings in a real-world experience.

Evaluation

The evaluation of student work - or even the entire RiverWatch Program - can be left to the end as shown in the model, or used throughout as part of each stage.