Each focus question that is part of the CyberPad can be aligned with a FOSS kit investigation. However, if you do not use science kits in your classroom, you can collect the physical materials listed below. Most of the materials will overlap on various questions. Some of the materials will either be listed for use with your whole class or with small groups. The number of groups, and therefore the quantity of materials, can be determined by your classroom set-up, your preference, and your access to resources.
Physical Materials for each group of 3-5 students:
1 flashlight with 2 D cells
rulers
2 short striped wires (20 gauge, 15 cm long)
4 short striped wires (20 gauge 30 cm long)
2 light bulbs in holders
2 light bulbs
1 incandescent bulb
2 D cells
1 motor
1 circuit base (blue)
1 cell holder (blue)
1 switch
cardboard square
plastic straw
aluminum foil
river rock
steel screw
steel paper clip
steel nails
wood stick (popsicle)
wool string
rubber band
FOSS Science Handout and Resource – “Electric Energy”
FOSS Science Handout and Resource – “Series and Parallel Circuits”
Physical Materials for each group of 3-5 students:
4 magnets
10 paperclips
paper
nail
cardboard
straw
bobby pin
2 donut magnets
pencil
aluminum foil
ruler
Physical Materials for each group of 3-5 students:
several exploratory objects (i.e., feather, plastic bag, balloon, straw)
3 thermometers
plastic cup
hot tap water (or source of hot, but not scalding water)
rubber band
heat source (i.e., sunny window, heat lamp, or outside location)