FOSS Introductionand Summary

Michael BostwickSTEM Curriculum Mentor

GST BOCES

What is STEM?

The Empire State STEM Learning Network defines STEM as:

“STEM education” refers to the teaching and learning of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines, in an integrated, innovative and applied fashion to a level of challenge sufficient for college and workforce readiness.

http://nystem.net/index.html

STEM Pipeline

Why STEM? 43% of 2010 U.S. high school graduates

are ready for college-level math 29% of 2010 U.S. high school students

are ready for college-level science 25th out of 30: The U.S. ranking in an

international assessment of high school student performance in math

source: http://www.changetheequation.org/why/stem-education-in-your-state/

Why STEM? “By 2016 the 10 fastest growing

occupations in New York State will require STEM Competencies.” ◦ www.changetheequation.org/

“Its time to restore science to its rightful place, and to wield technology’s wonders to meet the demands of a new age.” ◦ President Barrack Obama◦ Source: http://nystem.net/why.html

Inquiry Based LearningWe need to move away from this:

And move more toward this:

Interdependence in the21st Century

1. I have very little knowledge about FOSS other than what I’ve heard around the district.

2. I understand the basics and/or have had the opportunity to discuss FOSS with classroom teachers.

3. I have a great understanding of the FOSS program due to extensive experience with FOSS integration and teacher collaboration.

What is your experience?

FOSS is an acronym that stands for Full Option Science System

Created to engage students in exploration and the construction of their own meaning of the world around them.

This is a critical aspect of the FOSS Program

FOSS

1. Scientific Literacy◦ The need for citizens to have at least a

foundational understanding of scientific concepts

2. Instructional Efficiency◦ Reflects current research and uses effective

instructional methods

3. Systemic Reform◦ FOSS recognizes the need to produce 21st century

thinkers with global understanding

Goals of the FOSS Program

Inquiry Hands-on Active Learning Multisensory Methods Student-to-Student Interaction Discourse and Reflective Thinking Reading and Research

FOSS Instructional Pedagogies

FOSS breaks down the curriculum in the following ways:

FOSS Structure

FOSS Example

Module Balance and Motion

Investigation Balance

Part Trick Crayfish

1. Engage the students2. Pose a challenge or question3. Allow students to explore and

construct meaning4. Discuss findings and explain content5. Allow for further exploration (if needed)6. Wrap up with word bank, important

science concepts, and further inquiries.

General Activity Structure (Inquiry)

Remember to let the student do the work Allow students to create their own understanding

of the concept Encourage students to put their learning into

words (discourse) Questioning students is helpful in guided learning Try to question students in an open-ended

fashion rather than leading them to a yes or no answer

Authentic learning takes time and patience – but it’s well worth the investment!

Helpful Tips

Kindergarten1. Animals 2x2

First Grade1. Balance and Motion2. Plants

Second Grade1. Air and Weather2. Solids and Liquids

Third Grade1. Measurement2. Water

Fourth Grade1. Magnetism and Electricity2. Sun, Moon, and Stars

Fifth Grade1. Mixtures and Solutions2. Environments

Corning Painted Post Modules

Take a minute to jot down some ideas that are specific to your area of teaching

How do you envision integration?

Art Music Library P.E.

• Technical drawings

• Why might an artist use a particular color scheme or shadowing technique?

• Critiquing pieces of music

• Why do you think this composer choice allegro as opposed to adagio in this part of the song

• Suggesting supplemental books to enrich the curriculum

• Read more nonfiction, science related books during open reading times

• Tying in science concepts to everyday activities

• How does air resistance play a role in how the parachute reacts when lifted?

Ideas for Supporting FOSSIn general:• Ask a lot of probing questions to promote critical thinking.• Require students to use scientific skills: predictions, observations,

analysis, classification, inferencing, identifying variables, drawing conclusions

• What is the evidence that supports your claim?• Make students defend their choices such as use of color, sound, choice of

book, or physical activity.• Finding connections to science whenever possible. • Lead instruction/activities with focus questions?

Module: Balance and Motion◦Investigation 1: BalancePart 3: The Pencil Trick

Teacher must facilitate and guide the activity rather than “teach the lesson.”

Move from a teacher-centered classroom to a student-centered classroom.

Activity

Questions?