The Learning Cycle

The "Focus-Explore-Reflect-Apply" learning cycle incorporated into the STC units is based on
research findings about children’s learning. These findings indicate that knowledge is actively
constructed by each learner and that children learn science best in a hands-on experimental
environment where they can make their own discoveries. The steps of the learning cycle are as
follows:

Focus: Explore and clarify the ideas that children already have about the topic. 

Explore: Enable children to engage in hands-on exploration of the objects, organisms, and
science phenomena to be investigated. 

Reflect: Encourage children to discuss their observations and to reconcile their ideas. 

Apply: Help children discuss and apply their new ideas in new situations.

http://www.nsrconline.org/curriculum_resources/learning_cycle.html

http://www.edusite.com/plans/slcycle.htm