Full Option Science System (FOSS) series. Developed by Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley, Calif.). Hudson, N.H.: Delta Education, 1993.

Program Overview The Full Option Science System (FOSS) program is a K-6 science curriculum consisting of 27 stand-alone modules. The 8 modules for grades 5-6 are organized under topics in the life, physical, and earth sciences and in scientific reasoning and technology. They can be used in any order. The FOSS program is designed to engage students in scientific concepts through multisensory, hands-on laboratory activities. All modules of the program incorporate 5 unifying themes—(1) pattern, (2) structure, (3) interaction, (4) change, and (5) system. The components of a FOSS module are a teacher's guide and a kit of materials.

Teacher's Guide Recommended grade level: 5-6. Environments introduces students to several basic concepts of environmental biology. Structured investigations in both terrestrial and aquatic systems develop the concepts of environmental factor, tolerance, environmental preference, and environmental range. In this unit, students observe interactions in a terrarium, investigate the environmental preferences of isopods and beetles, determine the water tolerance of seeds and plants, monitor environmental factors in freshwater aquariums, and investigate the salt tolerance of plants and brine shrimp eggs.

Environments consists of 6 activities and requires 8 weeks to complete. The teacher's guide includes a module overview, the 6 individual activity folios, duplication masters (in English and Spanish) for student sheets, and an annotated bibliography.

The module includes science background information, detailed instructions on planning for and conducting each activity, an extensive assessment component, and extensions for integration and enrichment.

Key to Content Standards: 5-8

(see app. C)

UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES: Systems, order, and organization; evidence, models, and explanation.

SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; understandings about scientific inquiry.

LIFE SCIENCE: Regulation and behavior; populations and ecosystems.

SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES: Populations, resources, and environments.

Prices: Teacher's guide (ISBN 0-7826-0070-0), $101. Complete module, $399. Publisher/supplier: Delta Education. Materials: Available locally, from commercial suppliers, or in kit.

Front Matter (R1-R16)

PART 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE GUIDE (1-5)

PART 2. MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE CURRICULUM MATERIALS (6-13)

1. Physical Science (14-69)

2. Life Science (70-115)

3. Environmental Science (116-153)

4. Earth and Space Science (154-197)

5. Multidisciplinary and Applied Science (198-255)

6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs (256-261)

PART 3. REFERENCE MATERIALS (262-267)

7. Books on Teaching Science (268-281)

8. Science Book Lists and Resource Guides (282-291)

9. Periodicals (292-303)

PART 4. ANCILLARY RESOURCES (304-309)

10. Museums and Other Places to Visit (310-371)

11. Professional Associations and U.S. Government Organizations (372-395)

Appendix A (396-408)

Appendix B (409-424)

Appendix C (425-440)

Appendix D (441-448)

THE INDEXES (449-480)