FOSS KITS Insects Grades 1-2 The Insects module provides experiences that heighten students awareness of the diversity of animal forms. They come to know firsthand the life sequences of a number of insects. In each investigation an insect is introduced, and students observe structures and behaviors, discuss their findings, and ask questions. Students observe life cycles of insects and compare the stages of metamorphosis exhibited by each species. Develop a curiosity and interest in insects and a respect for them as living things. Experience some of the great diversity of forms in the animal kingdom. Become familiar with some of the life sequences that different types of insects exhibit (simple and complete metamorphosis). Observe the similarities and differences in the larvae, pupae, and adults of insects that go through complete metamorphosis. Observe the behaviors of insects at different stages of their life cycle. Provide for the needs of insects (air, water, food, and space). Acquire the vocabulary associated with insect life.
Water Grades 3-4 Water is the most important substance on Earth. Water dominates the surface of our planet, changes the face of the land, and defines life. These powerful, pervasive ideas are introduced here. The Water module consists of four investigations in which students explore properties of water, changes in water, interactions between water and other earth materials, and how humans use water. Observe and explore properties of water in liquid, solid, and gaseous states. Observe the expansion and contraction of water as it warms and cools. Investigate factors that influence evaporation and condensation of water. Consider components of the water cycle. Observe and compare how water moves through different types of earth materials, including soil and gravel. Consider the water quality of local water sources.investigate how water can be used to do work. Acquire vocabulary associated with water. Record observations in writing and pictures. Exercise language, social studies, and math skills in the context of science. Become aware of the importance of water in their lives. explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing.
Human Body Grades 3-4 The Human Body module consists of four sequential investigations that engage students in thoughtful activities about the form and function of a most remarkable machine, their own body. Observe and investigate the human skeletal and muscle systems. Become aware of the versatility of movement provided by an articulated skeleton. Gain experience with the use of photographs, diagrams, and model bones to gather information. Build mechanical models to demonstrate how muscles are responsible for human movement. Compare the bones and muscles in their own bodies to photographs and models. Investigate response time of hands and feet. Develop an awareness of human bone and muscle structure and function and an appreciation for the versatility of the human body. Acquire the vocabulary associated with the human skeletal and muscle systems. explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing..
Structures of Life Grades 3-4 The Structures of Life module consists of four sequential investigations dealing with observable characteristics of organisms. Students observe, compare, categorize, and care for a selection of organisms, and in so doing they learn to identify properties of plants and animals and to sort and group organisms on the basis of observable properties. Students investigate structures of the organisms and learn how some of the structures function in growth and survival. Develop an attitude of respect for life. Gain experience with organisms, both plants and animals. Observe and compare properties of seeds and fruits. Investigate the effect of water on seeds. Observe, describe, and record properties of germinated seeds. Compare different kinds of germinated seeds. Grow plants hydroponically and observe the life cycle of a bean plant. Observe and record crayfish and land snail structures and behavior. Use knowledge of crayfish and snail life requirements to maintain the organisms in the classroom. Organize data about crayfish territorial behavior. Develop responsibility for the care of organisms. Exercise language, art, social studies, and math skills in the context of life science. explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing.
Measurement Grades 3-4 Measurement, the process of quantifying observations, is one of the cornerstones of science. Measurement compares nature the unknown to a standard unit the known. Through such comparison, the organization of the world becomes more comprehensive. The FOSS Measurement module consists of four investigations, each designed to emphasize a particular type of metric measurement length, mass, temperature, and volume. Understand the necessity for standard units of measurement. Develop an understanding and intuitive feel for the metric system. Measure length and distance in meters and centimeters with a meter tape. Measure mass in grams with a balance and mass pieces. Solar Energy Grades 5-6 The Solar Energy module consists of four investigations that allow students to experience solar energy firsthand and to investigate the variables that affect solar-energy transfer. Become aware of the potential of solar energy, an inexhaustible source, as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels, a nonrenewable source. Observe differences in size and position of shadows as a result of the relative positions of Earth and the Sun. Gain experience using a compass to orient objects on Earth. Become proficient in using a thermometer to monitor temperature change in a variety of materials. Observe solar-energy transfer in a variety of situations. Relate the rate and amount of temperature change to variables involved in energy transfer. Design solar water heaters and passive solar space heaters. Apply mathematics in the context of science. Acquire vocabulary associated with solar energy and energy transfer.
explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating. Models and Designs Grades 5-6 The four investigations in the Models and Designs module provide experiences that develop the concept of a scientific model and engage students in design and construction. The atmosphere generated by this module is one of open discussion, free exchange of ideas, and development of ideas into products. Manipulate objects and materials. Design and construct conceptual and physical models. Look for relationships between structure and function of materials and systems. Organize and analyze data from investigations with physical objects and systems. Apply mathematics in the context of science. Acquire vocabulary associated with engineering and technology. Gain confidence in their abilities to solve problems. Learn that there is often more than one solution to a problem. Communicate ideas to peers and work in a collaborative scientific manner. explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating. Measure liquid volume and capacity of containers in liters and milliliters with 50-ml syringes and graduated cylinders. Measure temperature of liquids and air in degrees Celsius with a thermometer. Acquire the vocabulary associated with metric measurement. Exercise language and math skills in the context of metric measurement. Apply appropriate measuring skills in everyday situations. Develop and refine the manipulative skills required for making and using measuring tools. explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing.
Variables Grades 5-6 Some of the most important scientific concepts students learn are the result of their ability to see relationships between objects and events. Relationships always involve interactions, dependencies, and cause and effect. The Variables Module has four investigations that help students discover relationships through controlled experimentation. Students will fling, float, fly, and flip objects as they discover relationships in each investigation. Gain experience with the concept of variable. Gain experience with the concept of system. Design and conduct controlled experiments. Construct materials that will be used in the investigations. Acquire some understanding of the behavior of pendulums. Gain experience with buoyancy. Use data to make predictions. Apply mathematics in the context of science. Record and graph data concretely, pictorially, and symbolically to discover relationships. Acquire the vocabulary associated with controlled experimentation. explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating Diversity of Life Grades 6-8 What is life? We usually know it when we see it, but what is it? This course introduces students to the big picture of life on Earth. Students discover that all living things, despite their complexity, share the same basic characteristics. Students learn that all organisms (bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals) are composed of cells, and that a single cell is the fundamental unit of life. Students explore the relationship of organisms to their environment, and recognize life as a temporary condition experienced for various lengths of time by all living things. It is our hope that, in their efforts to answer the question "What is life?" students will develop an appreciation for the awesome diversity of life on Earth and a personal interest in life in all its forms.