Models and Designs

The four investigations in the Models and Designs module provide experiences that develop the concept of a scientific model and engage students in design and construction. The atmosphere generated by this module is one of open discussion, free exchange of ideas, and development of ideas into products.

FOSS expects students to:

• Manipulate objects and materials.
• Design and construct conceptual and physical models.
• Look for relationships between structure and function of materials and systems.
• Organize and analyze data from investigations with physical objects and systems.
• Apply mathematics in the context of science.
• Acquire vocabulary associated with engineering and technology.
• Gain confidence in their abilities to solve problems.
• Learn that there is often more than one solution to a problem.
• Communicate ideas to peers and work in a collaborative scientific manner.
• Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating.