Constructing Explanations of Phenomena Tool

After conducting one or more investigations, students and teachers work together to consider what progress they have made in explaining the phenomenon. This work involves generalizing, considering mechanisms (how and why results occur), and connecting information.  It often requires further resources, such as texts or simulations. 

This tool was developed to support the process of helping students develop explanations of a phenomenon. It describes the work of developing explanations, provides specific strategies and resources, and includes examples of what you can do and say as you engage students with using resources like simulations or texts to develop explanations.

In the Investigations Framework, developing explanations involves navigating transitions between investigation and explanation and revising the transition between phenomenon and explanation: putting pieces together, understanding mechanisms, reflecting on whether the class has constructed a satisfying explanation, and potentially identifying new things to explain.