First used as an inquiry lesson planning model in the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program, a K-6 science program in the early 1970s, the early learning cycle model had 3 stages (exploration, invention, discovery). Using the learning cycle approach, the teacher "invents" the science concept of the lesson in the 2nd stage (rather than defining it at the outset of the lesson as in the traditional approach). The introduced concept subsequently enables students to incorporate their exploration in the 3rd stage and apply it to new examples. Many examples of learning cycles have been described in the literature (Barman, 1989; Ramsey, 1993; also see Osborne and Wittrock,1983). The 5E Learning Cycle ( Bybee) is used in the new BSCS science programs as well as in other texts and materials.
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