Important Points about the Exploration Phase:
The purpose for the exploration activities is provided by the lingering questions, problems or issues. In other words, the exploration activities are not random, “stand alone” instructional events but are chosen strategically to address the questions, problems or issues presented/generated during the Engagement phase.
Several exploration activities can be done within the same lesson. Either all students participate in all activities or different student groups perform different activities, depending on the nature of questions, problems, or issues being pursued.
The focus during exploration phase should be on gathering or generating data/information and testing ideas and models, rather than composing explanations or formulating answers.
After generating information, designing and testing models, or completing mathematical computations during Exploration activities, we are ready to make sense of it all in the next phase of the Learning Cycle.