For Immediate Release

Monday, June 11, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Rockland Elementary School Students Participate in Immersive New Science Program

ROCKLAND — Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron is pleased to announce that students at Rockland elementary schools are learning about science using a newly acquired program called the Full Option Science System (FOSS), which allows students to engage in immersive and hands-on activities.

As part of the new program, third and fourth grade students are learning about magnetism, motion, matter, energy and engineering design during STEAM weeks. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

The FOSS kits were funded through a $40,000 grant from the Rockland Education Foundation. Kits include student and teacher resources and materials for experiments.

“Research shows that in order to create the next generation of scientists and engineers, you need to create high-quality opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, hands-on learning in elementary school,” Superintendent Cron said.

The FOSS kits follow a research-based science curriculum developed at the University of California, Berkeley.

One activity the students engaged in recently had them using batteries and wires to create an electromagnet used to pick up metal washers. Another activity used a scale for students to determine the mass of vinegar and baking soda, respectively, and then the combined mass after mixing the two.

“We as a foundation feel that the funds we have raised over the past two years are going toward initiatives that will impact the entire district,” said President of Rockland Education Foundation Regina Quirk. “We are thrilled it is being offered in the third and fourth grades to get students engaged at a younger age especially in the area of engineering.” 

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