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Model-based Inquiry (MBI) is a framework for designing NGSS-aligned science units around the construction, revision, and testing of models by groups of students as they seek to explain natural phenomena. Our approach helps students get hands-on with scientific practices throughout the unit with the ultimate goal of helping students create strong, science-based explanations about the world— therefore, explanation is the 'product' of the unit. Students will use scientific modeling to work together, share ideas, and build their explanations step by step. Along the way, they'll also engage in argumentation—using evidence from experiments to refine and improve their models and explanations.
Model-based Inquiry (MBI) is a framework for designing NGSS-aligned science units around the construction, revision, and testing of models by groups of students as they seek to explain natural phenomena. Our approach helps students get hands-on with scientific practices throughout the unit with the ultimate goal of helping students create strong, science-based explanations about the world— therefore, explanation is the 'product' of the unit. Students will use scientific modeling to work together, share ideas, and build their explanations step by step. Along the way, they'll also engage in argumentation—using evidence from experiments to refine and improve their models and explanations.
The template, developed and tested with secondary science teachers, provides support for the design and implementation of rigorous and equitable instruction through engagement with the practices of science such as modeling, explanation, and argumentation. Designed to support three dimensional learning, the planning template guides teachers through the “unpacking” of standards, choosing a phenomenon to anchor instruction, and the development of models and explanations that act as core sense-making activities throughout the unit.
The template, developed and tested with secondary science teachers, provides support for the design and implementation of rigorous and equitable instruction through engagement with the practices of science such as modeling, explanation, and argumentation. Designed to support three dimensional learning, the planning template guides teachers through the “unpacking” of standards, choosing a phenomenon to anchor instruction, and the development of models and explanations that act as core sense-making activities throughout the unit.
“I’ve used inquiry for years, but MBI helped me see how to make students’ thinking visible and revisable across an entire unit, not just in isolated lessons.”
“I’ve used inquiry for years, but MBI helped me see how to make students’ thinking visible and revisable across an entire unit, not just in isolated lessons.”
Where to begin?
Where to begin?
K-12 Science Teachers
K-12 Science Teachers
Learn about the MBI framework and its stages
Look through example units and phenomena at your grade level
Utilize the MBI template to design your own unit
Check out our books and articles
Science Teacher Educators
Science Teacher Educators
Learn about the MBI framework and its stages
Look through example units across grade levels
Check out our books and articles
Learn how to use the MBI resources in your science methods course (coming soon)
School and District Leaders
School and District Leaders
Dive into our professional learning and consultation opportunities
Learn about the MBI framework and its stages
Look through example units across grade levels
Check out our books and articles
Available Now Through NSTA Press
Available Now Through NSTA Press
The MBI Team is collaborating with NSTA Press on a series of books that provide tested, classroom-ready units for high school science teachers. The MBI Biology and Chemistry books include guidance on implementing MBI in the classroom, along with four NGSS-aligned units. MBI in Earth and Space Sciences coming in Fall 2026!
We offer professional learning workshops and consulting services for schools and districts interested in adopting the MBI framework. Check out our Professional Learning and Consulting pages for more information!
We offer professional learning workshops and consulting services for schools and districts interested in adopting the MBI framework. Check out our Professional Learning and Consulting pages for more information!
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