| Course Authors: Scott Campbell, Lauren Tabor, Hu Lan | Date Last Modified: October 1st 2021 |
| Languages: English, Chinese | Course Under Development |
The Foundations of Applied Science and Technology, or FAST track to Science, is a rigours STEM program that is designed specifically for students who want to pursue the field of science instead of engineering and design. The course offers students a focused alternative to the FSTEM program. Design in conjunction with a number of AP subject teachers from a wide spectrum of senior level math and science course, the Foundations of Applied Science and Technology course was created specifically to help students succeed in senior level sciences. Ideally suited for students in grade 10 who are transitioning from a Chinese public education system to an international program of study, the FAST track to science course focuses on developing a number of authentic skills such as graphing, data analysis, as well as logic and argumentation. Moreover, students taking FAST will also develop their Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency skills (CALPs) as they are introduced to science vocabulary in a structured and supported learning environment.
应用科学和技术基础课，或简称FAST，是一门严谨的STEM课程体系，也是STEM基础课程的一个重要分支，专门为那些希望追求科学领域而不是工程和设计的学生打造的。应用科学与技术基础课是与来自多位高级数学与科学课程的AP学科教师合作设计的，旨在帮助学生在高级科学领域取得成功。FAST课程非常适合从中国公办教育体系过渡到国际学习体系的10年级学生，课程重点培养一些真实技能，如绘图、数据分析以及逻辑和论证。此外，学习FAST的学生在结构化和支持性学习环境中学习科学相关词汇时，还将发展他们的认知学术语言能力（CALP）。
Unit 1: Logic & Argumentation
Logic and Argumentation is the first learning unit in the Foundations of Applied Science & Technology course. In this learning unit of study we will look at how to solve mathematical problems through the process of logical deduction. We will also look at how apply math and logic to a wide variety of real-world scenarios.
Unit 1 also places a strong emphasis on the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) method. Students will be required to analyze a number of problems… develop and state a “Claim” to address the problem at hand, look for “Evidence” to supports their claim, and use “Reasoning” to effectively use collected evidence / data to support their claim.
Unit 2: Measurements and Observations
Observations and Measurements is the second unit of study in the Foundations of Applied Science & Technology course. In this learning unit of study we will look at how to make observations. We will cover the difference between “qualitative” and “quantitative” measurements, units of measurements, basic lab procedures, how to graph data, how to describe a graph, and how to interrupter data.
Unit 3: Scientific Methods
Unit 3 delves into how to conduct experiments using the “Scientific Method”. This unit of study builds on all of the ideas and concepts that have been covered so far in this course and will require you to use everything that you have been learning so far. Through experimentation you will develop hypothesis, build experiments to test them, conduct your experiments, make observations, and come to a conclusion that proves or disproves your original hypothesis.
Lessons
- Unit 1: Logic and Argumentation
- Module A: Skill Development
- Module B: Summative Project – Student Fundraiser
- Unit 2: Observations and Measurements
- Module A: Collecting Data and Interpreting Data
- Module B: Graphing and Describing Data
- Unit 3: The Scientific Method
- Module A: Introduction to the Scientific Method
- Module B: Lab Scince
- Unit 4: Experimental Design – Original Experiment Design
Additional Resources
Foundations of Applied Science & Technology Vocabulary Guide