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 Family
Activities in Science and Technology (FAST Pacs)
I. Introduction to FAST Pacs
FAST is an acronym for Family Activities in Science and Technology.
Home learning packets (FAST Pacs) containing materials and
directions for conducting science/math/technology activities have
been assembled, modeled, and utilized by participating K-6 teachers.
In addition to science and math supplies, each Pac includes a
related children’s book especially selected to meet the needs of
children for whom English is a second language (ESL) or English for
Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
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The FAST Pacs are designed to be taken home by students, utilized
with their parents or others at home, and returned to the classroom.
FAST Pacs are to be used after the children have first participated
in related SMART activities in school. At home, the student assumes
the role of "teacher," involving parents and other family members in
science/math hands-on experiences with the FAST Pac and leading them
in reading the related children’s book.
A typical FAST Pac such as Who Sank the Boat? (described
below) includes five 10x10 cm of aluminum foil, 50 USA pennies, an
activity sheet, and a copy of the book, Who Sank the Boat?
written by Pamela Allen. Water, containers (sink, bathtub, bucket,
or bowl, etc.), and paper towels are to be provided at home. The
child, having done similar activities earlier in school, encourages
family members to build foil barges to carry a load of
pennies---with the goal of building a foil boat that will hold the
greatest number of pennies. With the child’s "teaching" guidance,
boats are built, predictions are made, loads tested, pennies
counted, data recorded, and the investigation discussed. The child
then reads and discusses the book, Who Sank the Boat?, to
family members. Information about the home science/math experience
is shared back in school and the FAST Pac is returned to be
restocked for the next trip home with another student.
The science in this FAST Pac example includes elements of content
and processes: content such as buoyancy and density and processes
such as design technology, observation, inference, prediction, and
communication. The math includes counting, measuring, number
operations, data recording and analysis, and ratio of mass to
volume. Of course, the content and processes selected for emphasis
will depend on the goals to be met and the developmental levels of
the students. Additionally, reading the book Who Sank the Boat?
after concrete experiences with sinking and floating reinforces
reading skills for all students, but especially those of ESL and
ESOL students in overseas schools.
II. FAST Pac Model Lessons
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