Navigating an Era of Science Denial Using the 5E Instructional Model
A Guide for Teachers
A co-publication with NSTA Press
Empower Your Students to Search for Truth
In an era of rampant misinformation and growing distrust in science, K–12 educators are on the front lines of a crucial battle. This timely book, written by Rodger W. Bybee—the legendary creator of the 5E Instructional Model—provides a reasonable, achievable, and positive response for the K–12 educational community. It equips classroom teachers and school leaders to combat misconceptions and effectively teach the nature of science, ensuring students become scientifically literate citizens.
This book presents a clear, achievable plan to navigate the challenges of teaching science today. Grounded in decades of research and classroom application, it progresses from the societal problem of anti-science sentiment to a concrete instructional solution that will empower students and engage teachers. Features include:
- A clear connection to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), with a focus on the nature of science
- Grade-specific units and lesson plans for K–2, 3–5, middle school, and high school, featuring reproducible worksheets and real-life classroom stories from educators who’ve been in the trenches
- A step-by-step process for implementing the 5E Instructional Model to address science denial and improve your existing instructional units
- Expert guidance on digital literacy, evaluating online claims, and communicating with families who may hold anti-science views
This book provides the helm for science teachers to grasp, offering a clear course to steer through the murky waters of anti-science sentiment. By learning to apply these powerful instructional strategies, educators can meet the challenge of maintaining the integrity of science and empower their students to navigate a complex world with critical thinking and informed skepticism.
“This book is urgently needed. In a time when political tribalism turns even basic scientific facts into targets of cynicism, Bybee offers educators a clear path forward. His work reminds us that teaching the nature of science is not optional—it’s essential if we want students who can think critically, recognize evidence, safeguard truth, and sustain the civic foundations Jefferson saw as vital to the preservation of liberty.”
Dr. Bybee encourages his audience to think, reflect, and implement better teaching practices. I appreciate the work that he has done in providing references for his examples, supporting his claims with citations, and writing clearly for readers. His audience should include not just classroom teachers but also administrators, school board members, and even parents.
“Dr. Bybee addresses combating science denial with research-based methods and easy-to-use examples that focus on the history and enterprise of science, and how to get others to experience the wonder of the natural world around them, ask questions, and learn ways to gather and assess information. This couldn’t come at a better time for education programs and already practicing educators.
Now is the time to implement change in science education. Dr. Bybee offers a strong plan for teaching students and others how to evaluate their own conceptions while setting aside politics, public opinions, and their own beliefs.”
This timely reflection of a career in science education is a reminder that science teachers and education leaders have what we need to repair the road to strong science thinking. This book takes the reader through the development and evolutionary histories of the 5E learning cycle and framework for teaching. Using the nature of science as a basis for imagining scientific enterprise in the classroom, the reader can use this book as a blueprint for building lessons that drill down the point that science is a human endeavor.
Science is under attack from all sides and with social media providing students with misinformation, science educators may wonder what they can do to defend it. In this book, Rodger Bybee defines the current problem and provides a practical solution that all science educators can integrate into their classroom.
How can teachers address the tidal wave of anti-science rhetoric in today’s media? How about getting down to basics and teaching the science inquiry process using the tried-and-true 5E model?
Rodger Bybee’s new book draws on his diverse life-long experiences and presents his well-articulated, inspiring case for engaging students in developing an understanding of the scientific enterprise and not just the content of science. His 5E lessons provide easy-to-implement ways to get started and his personal encouragement will bolster teachers in taking on this challenge.
Our country desperately needs legions of teachers embracing his urgent plea to collaborate with colleagues, turning away from the current anti-science craze, and collectively advocating for learners of all ages to genuinely engage in science thinking and doing science.
Navigating an Era of Science Denial Using the 5E Instructional Model reminds us that science education is inseparable from the health of our democracy. Rodger Bybee brings unmatched credibility to this work, weaving together the 5E Instructional Model, the nature of science, and contemporary standards into a coherent and compelling response to anti-scientific thinking. This book provides educators with a practical, research-based approach to teaching the nature of science at a time when
it matters most.
Sample Materials & Chapters
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