MBI Stage Descriptions

This site provides the information you need to plan and implement a model-based inquiry (MBI) unit in your science class. We include a planning template to assist science teachers in the planning of MBI units, and the template links to pages that further explain the core ideas needed to plan your MBI unit. We walk through each stage of MBI, using completed MBI units as examples. 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. This site also includes completed example templates and various phenomena ideas to create your own unit! 

The stage descriptions below will walk you through each stage of creating your MBI unit and includes examples from units for different grade bands.

Stages Walk-Through

(select a stage below to begin)