This information is from the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse.
| 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) introduces students to several kinds of rocks. In activity one, students investigate different kinds of rocks (basalt, scoria, and tuff). They rub, wash, sort, and describe rocks to develop an understanding of the properties of rock. In activity two, students investigate a river rock mixture. They separate the rocks using different screens. They add water to sand in a vial, shake it , and let it settle to see layers of rocks in different sizes. In activity three, students learn how people use Earth materials to construct objects. They make rubbings from sandpaper, sculptures from sand, decorative jewelry from clay, and bricks from clay soil. In activity four, students are introduced to humus as an ingredient in soil. Homemade and local soils are studied and compared using techniques of shaking, screening, settling out in water. 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 videodisks are available separately to supplement this module. (CCC) |
| Table of Contents |
| [Text:] Introduction FOSS Pebbles, sand, and silt section FOSS introduction Overview Activities Duplication masters English and Spanish versions FACTs (Correlations) Kit inventory lists FOSS assessments section Introduction Directions for administering assessments Teacher's chart |