This article describes a three-dimensional 5E (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation) lesson that investigates 3-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived. A phenomena-based approach was used to engage third graders in the story of Maya, who…

Although students are enthusiastic when engaging in hands-on investigations, they can find it challenging to make sense of their data and to create explanations using evidence from their investigations. The authors spent a year designing and testing strategies in a science classroom to better assist elementary students in constructing and…