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Program Overview
The Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST) series is an interdisciplinary science program consisting of 3 courses for middle, junior, and senior high school students. Each 1-year course is organized in 3 strands--physical science (chemistry and physics), ecology (biological and earth sciences), and relational study. The ecology and physical science strands, which provide the formal science content, are intended to be presented concurrently by alternating short sequences of investigations from each strand. The relational study strand integrates the sciences, technology, and society. Components of the program include the student book, teacher's guide, several reference booklets for each course, and other optional teacher support materials.

Student Edition
Recommended grade level: 8+.
Reading level: middle 8. Matter and Energy in the Biosphere is organized in 8 units consisting of 69 lab investigations and activities designed to teach students about the transfer of matter and energy through ecosystems. In the physical sciences strand of this textbook, students investigate the nature of light and heat, search for evidence of an atomic structure of matter, and explore the kinetic molecular model of matter. In the ecology strand, they investigate the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition, and they develop an understanding of the interdependence of all living organisms. In the relational study strand, they engage in decision-making situations that require them to analyze such global problems as shortages of food or of fossil fuel. They also design, create, and maintain a balanced microecosystem and a forced microecosystem, and they measure all inputs and outputs of each system.

Each lab investigation contains brief background information, directions, and questions to guide student learning. The investigations are designed for small, cooperative groups. An appendix provides information on basic units of metric measurement and directions on how to use measurement devices such as a balance and a graduated cylinder.

Teacher's Guide
Keyed to investigations in the student book, this guide contains teaching suggestions, advice on classroom procedures, and detailed discussions of the conceptual and practical progression of the student investigations. It also includes materials and equipment lists, suggested schedules, and other information for using the program.

Program Resources and Support Materials
A variety of support materials is available, including 6 student reference booklets--on elements and compounds, gases, chromatography, composting, components of biomass, and field productivity. These booklets describe the use of instruments, suggest experimental designs, outline laboratory techniques, and provide additional information.

An instructional guide for teachers explains the philosophy and design of the FAST program and suggests schedules, sequences, and strategies for organizing and managing classes. An evaluation guide includes tests for assessing laboratory skills and understanding of concepts and an inventory of skills and concepts.

Key to Content Standards: 5-8 (see app. C)

UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES: Systems, order, and organization; evidence, models, and explanation; change, constancy, and measurement.
SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; understandings about scientific inquiry.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Properties and changes of properties in matter; transfer of energy.
LIFE SCIENCE: Structure and function in living systems; populations and ecosystems.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Abilities of technological design; understandings about science and technology.
SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES: Populations, resources, and environments; science and technology in society.
HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE: History of science.

Prices: Student edition (ISBN 0-937049-83-2), $21.95. Teacher's guide (ISBN 0-937049-84-0), $85.00. (Contact publisher/supplier for complete price and ordering information.)
Publisher/supplier: University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Materials: Available locally, or from commercial suppliers.

Use these listings to find related entries.

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Atomic structure,

Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science,
Biosphere,

Environmental Sciences: Changes in Ecosystems,

Multi & Applied Sciences: How Might Life Evolve on Other Worlds?
Chromatography,

Physical Sciences: Fun with Chemistry: A Guidebook of K-12 Activities. Vol. 2, ~ Mystery Festival,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Super Science Activities: Favorite Lessons from Master Teachers.
Composting,

Life Sciences: Exploring Life Science, ~ Earthworms,

Environmental Sciences: Waste Management: Third Module in Bio-Related Technologies Unit, ~ Cycling Back to Nature with Biodegradable Polymers, ~ Experiments That Explore Recycling, ~ Give Water a Hand: Leader Guidebook and Action Guides,

Multi & Applied Sciences: SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Green.
Compounds,

Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Introductory Physical Science, ~ Matter: Building Block of the Universe, ~ Changes in Matter, ~ Chemical Interactions, ~ Project SEED: Sourcebook of Demonstrations, Activities, and Experiments,
Decomposition,

Life Sciences: Bottle Biology,

Environmental Sciences: Eco-Inquiry: A Guide to Ecological Learning Experiences for the Upper Elementary/Middle Grades, ~ Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Activity Guide: Pre K-8,

Earth Sciences: Exploring Earth Science,
Ecology,

Life Sciences: Exploring Life Science, ~ Glencoe Life Science, ~ Middle School Life Science, ~ Cranial Creations in Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Cooperative Activities, ~ Exploring with Wisconsin Fast Plants, ~ The Microcosmos Curriculum Guide to Exploring Microbial Space,

Environmental Sciences: Eco-Inquiry: A Guide to Ecological Learning Experiences for the Upper Elementary/Middle Grades, ~ Ecology Lab, ~ Understanding Basic Ecological Concepts, ~ Discovering Deserts, ~ Experiments That Explore Recycling, ~ Wading into Wetlands,

Earth Sciences: Exploring Earth Science, ~ River Cutters,

Multi & Applied Sciences: The Local Environment, Science Interactions: Course 1, ~ Super Science Activities: Favorite Lessons from Master Teachers.
Ecosystems,

Life Sciences: Ecology: Earth's Living Resources, ~ Ecosystems, ~ Ecosystems, ~ Middle School Life Science, ~ Pond Life, ~ Zebra Mussel Mania, ~ Project WILD Aquatic Education Activity Guide, ~ Project WILD: K-12 Activity Guide,

Environmental Sciences: Changes in Ecosystems, ~ Earth's Ecosystems, ~ Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Actions: Skill Development Program,

Earth Sciences: Arid Lands, Sacred Waters,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Sixth Grade, ~ Science 2000: Grade 6, ~ Science 2000: Science 1 (Grade 7), ~ Super Science Activities: Favorite Lessons from Master Teachers.
Elements,

Physical Sciences: Introductory Physical Science, ~ Matter: Building Block of the Universe, ~ Changes in Matter, ~ Project SEED: Sourcebook of Demonstrations, Activities, and Experiments,
Energy,

Physical Sciences: Chemistry of Matter, ~ Exploring Physical Science, ~ Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Heat Energy, ~ Motion, Forces, and Energy, ~ Forces and Machines, ~ Using Energy, ~ "The Best of Edison" Science Teaching Kits, ~ Energy Bridges to Science, Technology and Society, ~ LEGO Technic I Activity Center, ~ Machine Shop, ~ Nuclear Energy: Student Activities, ~ Projects That Explore Energy, ~ Quick Energy and Beyond: Ideas for the 90's, ~ Renewables Are Ready: A Guide to Teaching Renewable Energy in Junior and Senior High School Classrooms, ~ Simple and Motorized Machines Activity Pack, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model,

Life Sciences: Cells: Building Blocks of Life, ~ Glencoe Life Science, ~ Human Body Systems, ~ Food, Energy, and Growth, ~ The Lives of Plants, ~ Power Plants: A Plant-Based Energy Curriculum for Grades 5 through 8,

Environmental Sciences: Issues, Evidence and You, ~ Energy Conservation, ~ Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect, ~ Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Actions: Skill Development Program, ~ Activities to Teach Mathematics in the Context of Environmental Studies,

Earth Sciences: Geothermal Energy,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One, ~ Integrated Science: Book Two, ~ Investigating Systems and Change, Prime Science: Level B, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Green, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue, ~ Science 2000: Grade 6, ~ Energy Transformations: Fourth Module in Bio-Related Technologies Unit, ~ How Telecommunication Works: How People Use Energy to Communicate, ~ The Art and Science Connection: Hands-on Activities for Intermediate Students, ~ Critical Issues in Today's World: A Module for Grades 4-7, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities, ~ Science and Technology by Design: 3, ~ Science Is . . , ~ Science on a Shoestring.
Fossil fuels,

Physical Sciences: Projects That Explore Energy,

Environmental Sciences: Energy Conservation,
Gases,

Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Chemical Interactions, ~ Experiments with Balloons, ~ Fundamentals of Physical Science, ~ Using the Learning Cycle to Teach Physical Science: A Hands-on Approach for the Middle Grades,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One, Science Interactions: Course 2, ~ A Sunken Ship.
Heat,

Physical Sciences: Heat Energy, ~ Using Energy, ~ Energy Bridges to Science, Technology and Society, ~ Off the Wall Science: A Poster Series Revisited, ~ Personal Science Laboratory Temperature Experiments, ~ Physical Science Activities for Elementary and Middle School, ~ Project SEED: Sourcebook of Demonstrations, Activities, and Experiments, ~ Quick Energy and Beyond: Ideas for the 90's, ~ Science Investigations for Intermediate Students, ~ Science Projects about Light, ~ Science Projects about Temperature and Heat, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model,

Environmental Sciences: Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect,

Earth Sciences: Glencoe Earth Science, ~ Solar Energy,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One, ~ The Local Environment, Prime Science: Level B, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Green, ~ Energy Transformations: Fourth Module in Bio-Related Technologies Unit, ~ Forecasting the Future: Exploring Evidence for Global Climate Change, ~ Great Moments in Science: Experiments and Readers Theatre, ~ Transformations: Science, Technology and Society.
Light,

Physical Sciences: Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Sound and Light, ~ Bubble-ology, ~ Color Analyzers, ~ Color and Light, ~ Energy and Communications: How Can We Send and Receive Information?, ~ Lenses and Mirrors, ~ Experiments with Bubbles, ~ How Everyday Things Work: 60 Descriptions and Activities, ~ Light, ~ Light, ~ The Magic Wand and Other Bright Experiments on Light and Color, ~ Optics, ~ Personal Science Laboratory Light Experiments, ~ Physical Science Activities for Elementary and Middle School, ~ Science Investigations for Intermediate Students, ~ Science Projects about Light, ~ Soap Films and Bubbles, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model,

Life Sciences: Exploring Classroom Hydroponics,

Earth Sciences: Project STAR: The Universe in Your Hands,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Prime Science: Level B, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue, ~ Science 2000: Science 2 (Grade 8), ~ Scientific Theories, ~ Science on a Shoestring.
Matter,

Physical Sciences: Chemistry of Matter, ~ Exploring Physical Science, ~ Hard As Ice, ~ Introductory Physical Science, ~ Matter: Building Block of the Universe, ~ Changes in Matter, ~ Fundamentals of Physical Science, ~ Physical Science Activities for Elementary and Middle School, ~ Science Projects about Chemistry, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model,

Earth Sciences: Glencoe Earth Science,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One, Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Eighth Grade, ~ Science Interactions: Course 3, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities, ~ Science Is . . , ~ Science on a Shoestring.
Photosynthesis,

Physical Sciences: The Fusion Series: Personal Science Laboratory (PSL) Explorer Investigations for Grades 6-9, ~ Projects That Explore Energy, ~ Quick Energy and Beyond: Ideas for the 90's,

Life Sciences: Cells: Building Blocks of Life, ~ Parade of Life: Monerans, Protists, Fungi, and Plants, ~ The Lives of Plants, ~ Plants in Our World, ~ Power Plants: A Plant-Based Energy Curriculum for Grades 5 through 8, ~ The Microcosmos Curriculum Guide to Exploring Microbial Space, ~ Plant Biology Science Projects,

Environmental Sciences: Trash and Garbage: What Happens to Trash and Garbage? An Introduction to the Carbon Cycle,

Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Seventh Grade, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue, ~ Science 2000: Science 1 (Grade 7), ~ JASON IV Curriculum: Baja California Sur, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities.
Respiration,

Life Sciences: Cells: Building Blocks of Life,

Multi & Applied Sciences: SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue, ~ Science and Technology by Design: 3.

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[Ch 1: Physical Science] [Ch 2: Life Science] [Ch 3: Environmental Science] [Ch 4: Earth and Space Science] [Ch 5: Multi and Applied Science] [Ch 6: Sources of Info on Software] [Ch 7: Books on Teaching Science] [Ch 8: Science Book Lists] [Ch 9: Periodicals] [Ch 10: Museums] [Ch 11: Professional Associations]	[Title Index] [Index of Authors, etc.] [Subject Index] [Topics Index] [Content Standards Index] [Grade Level Index] [Scientific Areas Index] [Ancillary Resources Index] [OPENING PAGE]
	Copyright 1998 National Academy of Sciences National Academy Press

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