Earth & Space Sciences
View photos of the earth and space sciences equipment (PDF).
FOSS Air and Weather
The Air and Weather module consists of four sequential investigations, each designed to introduce concepts in earth science. The investigations provide opportunities for young students to explore the natural world by using simple tools to observe and monitor change. Grades 1 - 2
FOSS Earth History
Human beings have used Earth's resources since prehistoric times. We made tools from stones. We figured out how to extract precious metals from ores. We captured the energy of flowing streams. And, because it is human nature to explain everyday phenomena, we made up stories to explain how Earth was created. Students investigate sedimentary rocks and fossils from the Grand to discover clues that reveal Earth's history. They consider the processes that created them, and compare evidence discovered in the rocks to present-day geologic processes and contemporary life forms. Then students use these data to make inferences about past organisms, environments, and events that occurred on Earth over its history. Grades 6 - 8
Module Summary (pdf)FOSS Earth Materials
The Earth Materials module consists of four sequential investigations dealing with observable characteristics of solid materials from the earth—rocks and minerals. The focus is on taking materials apart to find what they are made of and putting materials together to better understand their properties. The module introduces fundamental concepts in earth science and takes advantage of the students’ intrinsic interest in the subject matter and in the physical world around them. Grades 3 - 4
FOSS Landforms
The Landforms module consists of five investigations that introduce students to these fundamental concepts in earth science: change takes place when things interact; all things change over time; patterns of interaction and change are useful in explaining landforms. Students also learn about some of the tools and techniques used by cartographers and use them to depict landforms. Grades 5 - 6
FOSS Pebbles, Sand, and Silt
The Pebbles, Sand, and Silt module consists of four sequential investigations, each designed to introduce concepts in earth science. The investigations provide experiences that heighten students’ awareness of rocks as earth materials and natural resources. They will come to know rocks by many names and in a variety of sizes. Pebbles and sand are the same material—just different in size. Grades 1 - 2
FOSS Water
Water is the most important substance on Earth. Water dominates the surface of our planet, changes the face of the land, and defines life. These powerful, pervasive ideas are introduced here. The Water module consists of four investigations in which students explore properties of water, changes in water, interactions between water and other earth materials, and how humans use water. Grades 3 - 4
FOSS Planetary Science
Space, the seemingly boundless vessel holding billions upon billions of swirling galaxies is today's final frontier. Astronomers continue to be the pioneers who first ventured into this vast environment, creating the charts that will guide those of us ready to join the adventure. Students study the Earth as a celestial object before progressing to lunar science and lunar exploration, and then on to the solar system. Activities explore the origin of the Moon, celestial motions, Moon phases, lunar geology, cratering processes, imaging technologies, scaling and space exploration.
Module Summary (pdf)SCIS 3+ Life Cycles
Life Cycles unit covers Living Things, Seeds and Plants, Eggs to Animals, and Metamorphosis. Research-based, classroom tested unit is supported by the National Science Foundation. Grade 2
Sedimentary Rock Collection
Represents a Wide Range of Depositional Environments and Rock Textures. Use this set as a basic introduction to rocks formed from organic material or fragments of other rocks. The set is housed in a compartmented collection box and comes with an identification list. Contents: 12 numbered samples, 1" x 2". Rocks: chert, conglomerate, coquina, gypsum, limestone (2), sandstone (2), shale (2), siltstone, travertine.
Metamorphic Rock Collection
Perfect for Introductory Lessons on Metamorphic Rocks. Study textures, grain sizes, and other features altered by pressure, temperature, and other natural forces, characteristic of metamorphic rocks. The set is housed in a compartmented collection box and comes with an identification list. Contents: 12 numbered samples, 1"x 2". Rocks: gneiss (2), marble (2), quartzite, schist (3), serpentinite, slate (2), soapstone.
Igneous Rock Collection
Samples of Intrusive and Extrusive Igneous RocksProvide your students with an excellent introduction to the forces at work beneath the Earth’s crust. The set is housed in a compartmented collection box and includes an identification list.Contents: 12 numbered samples, 1" x 2". Rocks:basalt, diorite, gabbro, granite, obsidian, pegmatite, peridotite, pumice, rhyolite (2), scoria, syenite
Pangaea Puzzle Kit
This exciting inquiry-based kit explores how Alfred Wegener used evidence including fossilized flora and fauna, glacial scarring, mountain range locations, continent shape, and climatic changes to formulate the theory of continental drift. Using this kit, students or teachers position a set of continent-shaped magnets in their present-day locations on a magnet-receptive map board. Then, using the same evidence that was available during Wegener's time, students think critically to rearrange the continents. The 8-Station Kit is for a class of 32. Kit materials are reusable.
Planet Earth DVD
With an unprecedented production budget of $25 million, and from the makers of Blue Planet: Seas of Life, comes the epic story of life on Earth. Five years in production, over 2,000 days in the field, using 40 cameramen filming across 200 locations, shot entirely in high definition, this is the ultimate portrait of our planet. A stunning television experience that captures rare action, impossible locations and intimate moments with our planet's best-loved, wildest and most elusive creatures. From the highest mountains to the deepest rivers, this blockbuster series takes you on an unforgettable journey through the daily struggle for survival in Earth's most extreme habitats. Planet Earth takes you to places you have never seen before, to experience sights and sounds you may never experience anywhere else.
Desktop Globe
With its classic style, antique charm, and comprehensive geographical details, the Forester 9-inch Diam. Tabletop Globe makes a fitting home or office accent for the history buff. This handsome globe features a gold plastic meridian and riser with a satin finish. A raised-relief surface offers clear notation of mountain ranges, while simple, easy-to-read text accurately notates thousands of place names. Land formations are set against antique parchment oceans, and feature muted, yet rich colors that denote countries, regions, states, and other current political borders. Finally, the globe is set in a beveled hardwood base with a walnut finish for a truly classic effect.