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Template from Waton and Crick's DNA model, 1953.

The resources on this page guide you through how to apply historical perspectives to enrich a STEM lesson using the 5E instructional model. Using the 5E model can help assure that the history content you have researched is an active and integral part of the lesson, not just an add-on or afterthought.

Historical inquiry can be hands–on, as the many examples below show. Students might recreate a historical experiment or try to solve a real problem that puzzled generations of mathematicians. They could debate or role play as scientists and mathematicians from the past in order to articulate their intellectual positions and explore their social contexts. Analyzing and discussing primary texts and images can also engage curiosity and critical thinking in an interdisciplinary way.

Integrating history doesn't mean just presenting a chronological list of events or ideas. Instead, historical perspectives should form the basis of an active, inquiry-based STEM lesson that illuminates math and science as a human endeavor. The links below guide you through how to develop a historically-informed 5E lesson to help your students reach a deeper understanding of their subject and motivate them to learn more.

The 5 Es

The X-ray diffraction pattern of DNA, courtesy of the National Institute of Health. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xray_DNA.gif

Engage

STEM history can capture students’ interest and elicit their prior conceptions.

Get started
DNA model built by Crick and Watson in 1953, on display in the National Science Museum of London. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DNA_Model_Crick-Watson.jpg

Explore

Historical context can provide a framework for students to puzzle through science and math concepts.

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Pencil sketch of the DNA double helix by Francis Crick.

Explain

Perspectives from history can help math and science students make sense of their exploration and provide a context for constructing and justifying their explanations.

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 CRISPR / Cas9

Elaborate

History can help students develop more sophisticated understandings of science and math concepts, while connecting knowledge to society and daily life.

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Telegram announcing Francis Crick's Nobel prize.

Evaluate

Incorporating historical perspectives encourages math and science students to self-evaluate and reflect on what they have learned.

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Published Lesson Plans

Many STEM lesson plans that incorporate the history and philosophy of science and math are available online or through your library.

Browse published lesson plans
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