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FOSS has set out to achieve three important goals.
1. Scientific Literacy
Provide all students with science experiences that
- are appropriate to their stages of cognitive development.
- serve as a foundation for more advanced ideas that prepare them
for life in an increasingly complex scientific and technological
world.
Because the quality of life will be significantly influenced by
science and technology in the 21st century, it is important for
all citizens to be scientifically literate throughout their life.
They should be able to make thoughtful, informed decisions appropriate
to their age and experience.
2. Instructional Efficiency
Provide all teachers with a complete, flexible, easy-to-use science
program that
- reflects current research on learning, including collaborative
learning, student discourse, and embedded assessment.
- uses effective instructional methodologies, including hands-on
active learning, inquiry, integration of disciplines and content
areas, and multisensory methods.
Hands-on science is intrinsically fun and interesting for students.
And most teachers can be superb science teachers when they are provided
with effective instructional materials. FOSS is designed to make
hands-on science engaging for teachers as well as students.
3. Systemic Reform
Meet the community science-achievement standards and societal expectations
for the next generation of citizens. FOSS continues to respond to
the needs of systems moving away from passive exposure to scientific
concepts toward real experiences for students that reflect the vision
of the National Science Education Standards.
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