Core Kits for Grades 5 & 6
Physical Science Kits
Levers and Pulleys of FOSS Physical
Grade 5: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 35k, March 27, 2006)
Grade 5: Assessment (PDF, 3MB, July 27, 2006)
Grade 6: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 110k, June 27, 2005)
Students conduct investigations using two kinds of simple machines, levers and pulleys. They set up systems, measure outcomes, and record using conventional diagrams. They relate the force needed to lift a load to the advantage resulting from the simple machines. They graph to organize and interpret results of investigations.
Light of STC Physical
Students progress through a series of carefully sequenced activities that introduce the behavior of light, its properties and many uses. Lessons are divided into three sections:
- The Nature of Light
- Reflection and Refraction
- Using Light
Mixtures and Solutions of FOSS Physical
Students investigate basic concepts of chemistry-properties of mixtures and solutions, dissolving a solid in a solvent, concentration and saturation of a solution, evidence of chemical reaction, evaporation, and crystal formation. Students gain experience with laboratory tools and techniques.
Models and Designs of FOSS Physical
Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 50k)
Grade 5: Assessment (PDF, 2MB, July 27, 2006)
Grade 6: Assessment (PDF, 2MB, July 27, 2006)
Students explore technological design by proposing solutions and evaluating products. Students create scientific models to help them think productively about complex problems. They create models to explain the relationship of parts in systems that are not accessible (black boxes and a whimsical device called a humdinger). They design and build model carts that respond to a series of engineering challenges.
Grade 6: Planetary Science of FOSS
Physical
Students study the Earth as a celestial object before progressing to lunar
science and lunar exploration, and then on the Solar System. Activities
explore the origin of the Moon, celestial motions, Moon phases, lunar geology,
cratering processes, imaging technologies, scaling, and space exploration.
Variables of FOSS Physical
Grade 5: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 36k, March 27, 2006)
Students engage in scientific inquiry. They identify and control variables and conduct controlled experiments using several multivariable systems: pendulums, airplanes, boats and catapults. They observe and compare the outcomes of experiments, identify relationships between independent and dependent variables, graph relationships and make predictions using the results of their experiments.
Earth Science Kits
Stories In Stone of GEMS Earth
Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 40k)
Students investigate the main processes that lead to the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Working with a set of ten rock and mineral samples teams of students learn the distinction between rocks and minerals, classify the samples, and attempt to classify "mystery rocks." Students observe formation of salt crystals and make models of several crystal shapes. Unique clay modeling activities with geological narratives provide students with "hands-on" insight into the rock cycle and plate tectonics.
Landforms of FOSS Earth
5th Grade: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 45k)
5th Grade: Assessment (PDF, 3MB, July 27, 2006)
6th Grade: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 45k)
Students use stream tables to investigate the variables that influence erosion
and deposition of earth materials (amount of water, steepness of slope, time)
and the creation of landforms (valley, canyons, river channels, deltas, alluvial
fans). Students assemble models of mountains and create topographic maps.
Life Science Kits
Environments of FOSS Life
5th Grade: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 55k, March 27 2006)
5th Grade: Assessment (PDF, 2MB, July 27, 2006)
6th Grade: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 55k)
Students gain experience with living and nonliving environmental factors in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Organisms maintained in the classroom are used to develop the concepts of environmental factor, range of tolerance, and optimum conditions for survival of populations. Students observe how organisms respond to environmental conditions and how they change their environment.
Food and Nutrition of FOSS Life
5th Grade: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 50k)
5th Grade: Assessment (PDF, 3MB, July 27, 2006)
6th Grade: Grade Level Expectations (PDF, 45k)
6th Grade: Assessment (PDF, 3MB, July 27, 2006)
Students work with laboratory tools and techniques to test food using indicators to determine acid, vitamin C, fat, and sugar content. They use knowledge and nutritional information from product labels to plan and evaluate menus. They explore the relationship between the foods they eat and personal health.
Grade 6: Diversity of Life of FOSS
Life
Students observe and maintain protists, plants, and animals in the classroom and
study their characteristic features. The study progresses from macroscopic
to microscopic observation to discover the fundamental unit of life, the cell.
Students then investiogate organism subsystems and behaviors and consider their
adaptive advantages for reproduction and survival. Concepts: cell,
tissue, organism, structure, function, behavior, adaptation, system,
interaction.
Abbreviations for Series:
FOSS = Full Option Science System, a series of units developed with NSF funding by Lawrence Hall of Science at University of California, Berkeley, and currently published by Delta Education.
GEMS = Great Explorations in Math and Science, a series of activity based teacher's guides and handbooks developed and published by Lawrence Hall of Science at University of California, Berkeley.