Lisa Buckshaw, Director of Math and Science, and Aimee Lyon, Elementary Science Mentor Teacher, Greece Central School District, Greece, New York September 16, 2005 | FOSS in Schools
Top image: Students view a magnified image of a larva on their monitor. the computer is connected to the microscope to the left of the monitor.
Greece, the eighth largest school district in New York State, adopted FOSS in 2002 because it provided them with a science program that was matched to their standards and promoted instructional practices that were consistent with their district goals. Along with the commitment to improve science education, the district also has a commitment to provide technology resources and has encouraged teachers to embed technology into the curriculum.
At the elementary level, there is a wired computer lab, capable of serving an entire class; a wireless, mobile computer lab; five student computers in each grade 1–5 classroom; and three student computers in each pre–K and kindergarten classroom. In addition, all 12 elementary schools have cordless microscopes and a flex cam camera. Classrooms are outfitted with an Imagination Station that includes a monitor connected to a computer system that can project Internet sites, presentations, etc.
The teachers have been implementing FOSS and finding creative and interesting ways to enhance the investigations through technology. And the results of this emphasis on science and technology show increased student achievement in both science and reading. In 2003–04, student performance on the fourth-grade New York state science test increased by 7% compared to the previous year, with 44% of the fourth-grade students exceeding the state standard in science. There were also significant gains by fourth graders in English language arts scores, which may be a result of the science/technology program.
At each grade level, teachers have enhanced the FOSS science modules by integrating the technology resources available to them with the science investigations. We have highlighted some examples.
Painted Lady butterfly eggs under magnification.