The 5E Model of Instruction is a product of constructivist theory that is designed to allow students to become active participants in their own learning, creating an inquiry-based, student-centered classroom.The teaching of gas laws is an area within chemistry that can be taught completely by algebraic rearrangement of formulas and memorization of concepts such as �pressure is directly proportional to volume and inversely proportional to temperature�. While students may understand what these relationships mean, they often lack an understanding of how it applies to the world around them. The principles explored in this lesson form the foundations of scuba diving, siphoning, and pneumatic jacks and pumps.  In this lesson, the teacher introduces a scuba diver-based problem and models a constructed Cartesian diver system (Engage ). The students then work in groups, with defined roles, to construct their own diver and then use their experiences with the diver to explain Archimedes' principle, Pascal's law, and the combined gas law (Explain and Explore ). In order to fully explore and understand these concepts, students use technology to construct a pressure over volume graph. A graduated syringe allows for monitoring of volume while pressure is detected and recorded by a sensor attached to a computer. By use of both the Cartesian diver and syringe apparatus, students develop a deeper understanding of the driving principles of buoyancy and pressure by applying them in a real-world situation (Elaborate ).The teacher constantly evaluates  the learning process of each student through formative assessment throughout the entire lesson.

Pressure and volume: A 5E inquiry lesson

247th National Meeting (2014)

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