Posted by David Wetzel
Interactive Activities
FOSS is a research-based science curriculum for grades K—8 developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley. FOSS is also an ongoing project dedicated to improving the learning and teaching of science.
The FOSS program materials are designed to meet the challenge of providing meaningful science education for all students
The best way for students to appreciate the scientific enterprise, learn important scientific concepts, and develop the ability to think critically is to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations, and analysis. The FOSS program was created to engage students in these processes as they explore the natural world.
FOSS Grades K-2
Interactive activities include:
- Air and Weather
- Insects
- Plants
- Solids and Liquids
FOSS Grades 3 - 6
Interactive activities include:
- Environments
- Landforms
- Levers and Pulleys
- Solar Energy
- Variables
FOSS Grades 6 - 8
Interactive activities include:
- Chemical Interactions
- Population and Ecosystems
- Force and Motion
Additional Resource for FOSS
An Interactive Science Website - FOSS
Posted by David Wetzel
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse effect is the a current science event that discussed widely at all levels of education and beyond. Often students have a basic knowledge of the greenhouse effect; however, many just nod their heads and pretend they know and understand.
I have developed a simply experiment that gives students hands-on, minds-on experience with how the greenhouse effect works.
Greenhouse Experiment
Materials: 2 Thermometers and 1 Large Seal-able Plastic Bag
Procedures:
- Place one thermometer in the plastic bag and seal the bag.
- Record the beginning air temperature in the bag.
- Place the plastic bag in direct sunlight.
- Place the second thermometer next to the bag.
- Record the temperature of the second thermometer.
- Wait 15 minutes and record the temperature on both thermometers.
- Wait 15 more minutes and record the temperatures again.
Questions for Students:
- What observations did they make?
- What was the role of the plastic bag in this experiment?
- What did the thermometer inside the plastic bag measure?
- What was the cause of the temperature increase in the plastic bag?
- What was the effect of the temperature increase in the plastic bag?
- What could they do to lower the temperature of the air inside the plastic bag?
- How can they compare the effects of caused by the temperature increase inside the plastic bag, with the greenhouse effect the earth is undergoing now?
- Other questions will develop as the discussion continues.
Resources
Understanding Scientific Inquiry
Problem Solving and Science Process Skills
Questions to Ask Students in Science Projects
Greenhouse Effect Animation
