| Abstract |
| Abstract: The Full Option Science System (FOSS) series, designed for grades K to 6, consists of instructional modules organized under four topic headings: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and Scientific Reasoning and Technology. The instructional techniques including hands-on approach, multisensory methods, working alone together (grades K to 2), and collaborative groups (grades 3 to 6) are used to achieve scientific literacy for students and instructional efficiency for teachers. Each module includes a teacher guide and equipment kits. This module (grades 1 to 2) explores balance, counterbalance, and stability. In activity one, students discover numerous ways to balance two dimensional shapes made of tag board. They make mobiles from paper clips, rubber bands, straws, and index cards to apply their understanding of balance and stability. In activity two, students explore the variables to produce a top that spins the best. In activity three, students investigate rolling objects including wheels, cups, and spheres. They roll objects down slopes, compare rolling systems with different size wheels, and observe rolling systems with weights attached to the wheels. The teacher guide consists of a module overview, a set of activity folios, duplication masters for the student sheets, an assessment package (except grade K), FACTs (FOSS Activity Correlation Tables), and equipment inventory lists. The activity folio is a concise booklet for each activity, which provides a lesson plan; background information; a materials list; preparation plans; discussion questions; mathematics, language, social studies, and art extensions; home activities; and suggestions for including a multicultural dimension in the lesson. The equipment kit contains materials for a class of 32 students. Modules for grades 1 and 2 use embedded performance assessment including a hands-on assessment, a pictorial assessment, and a reflective questions assessment to assess students' understanding, performing, and applying the knowledge they learned in FOSS modules. The duplication masters for the student sheets are written in both English and Spanish. English and Spanish versions of videotapes and videodiscs are available separately to supplement this module. (CCC) |
| Table of Contents |
| Britannica Science System index and glossary Introduction FOSS Balance and motion module FOSS introduction Overview Activities Duplication Masters English and Spanish versions FACTS Correlations Kit inventory lists FOSS assessments section Introduction Directions for administrating assessments Teacher's charts |