Science Curriculum Advisory
K-5 Science Program Recommendation
Andover School Committee Presentation
May 14, 2015
Program Review Participants
Faith Goldstein, Gr 1
Maggie Hanlon, Gr 1
Maryrose Meehan, Gr 1
Terry Stone, Gr 2
Janet Bowen, Gr 3
Lydia Wise, Gr 4
Frank McCall, Gr 4
Carol Pehrson, Gr 4
Gina Chaves, Gr 4
Suzanne Crowley, Gr 5
Jamie Batchelder, Gr 5
Alyssa MacInnis, SPED
Marie Mailey, Learning Spec.
Casey Whiston-Hodnett,
Reading Teacher
Lauren Leary, Reading Teacher
Jane Anthony, 6th grade
Lisa Brouillard, 6th grade
Lynn Ricker, 7th grade
Sheila Harrington, 7th grade
Jennifer Barresi, K-5 Lit. Coord.
Patty Barrett, Principal
Moira O’Brien, Principal
Lauren King, Asst Principal
Linda Croteau, Asst Principal
Steve Sanborn, Sci Prog Coord.
Nancy Duclos, Asst. Superintendent
Science and Engineering
Curriculum Review 2013 -2015
2013-2014 - Review of current program
• Meetings with all elementary classroom teachers for
feedback – strengths and challenges
• Survey of parent perceptions of science program
• Review of new MA State Science, Technology, and
Engineering standards
• Established criteria for revised program
2014-2015 - Review of science and science reader programs
• Review of available programs
• Publisher presentations
• Site visit in Wilmington
• Recommendations
Science and Engineering Practices
• Asking questions (for science) and defining problems
(for engineering)
• Developing and using models
• Planning and carrying out investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics and computational thinking
• Constructing explanations (for science) and designing
solutions (for engineering)
• Engaging in argument from evidence
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating
information
Newly Revised MA Science, Technology,
and Engineering (STE) Standards
Grade 1 Earth Science Standard
2006 – Describe the weather changes from day to day
and season to season.
2013 – Analyze provided data to identify relationships
among seasonal patterns of change including sunrise and
sunset time changes, seasonal temperature and rainfall or
snowfall patterns, and seasonal changes to the
environment.
Criteria for Program Selection
• Student-centered, inquiry-based
• Guided inquiry leading to open inquiry
• Strong science related literature connection – leveled readers
• Strong writing component embedded in the program
• Emphasis on developing science practices
• Fully supplied – teacher-friendly set up – ease of implementation
• Clear and comprehensive teacher support materials
Criteria for Program Selection
• Hands-on investigations and activities
• Quality online learning component and digital
resources
• Closely aligned with state science and engineering
standards
• Accessible to all students – differentiation possible –
ELL component
• Appropriate, quality assessment resources
• Materials free of gender or race bias and stereotypes
FOSS (Full Option Science System)
• First developed in early 1990’s at Lawrence Hall
of Science at Berkeley
• Used by over 100,000 teachers and 2 million
students in about 16% of US school districts
including 50 of the 100 largest school districts
• Cited as an exemplary program by science
reform organizations including National Sciences
Resource Center and National Science Teachers
Association
FOSS Next Generation Science
Program Features
• Completely updated and in alignment with
NGSS and MA STE standards
Kit-based program – each unit comes with complete set
of non-consumable materials 3 refills of consumables
Three FOSS units per year – life science, earth science,
physical science - each FOSS unit designed for specific
grade.
Units divided into 4 multi-part investigations
FOSS incorporates math & engineering
into investigations
Excellent Teacher Support
• Thorough, well written investigation guides for teachers
– Topic background information
– Set-up instructions
– Step-by-step instruction for conducting investigations
• Teachers Resource Book – notebook masters,
assessments, interdisciplinary ideas
•
• FOSSweb – interactive whiteboard activities, videos,
virtual investigations, all teacher resources
• FOSSmap – online assessment and reporting
FOSS program emphasizes
use of student notebooks
FOSS promotes taking
science learning outdoors
FOSS Science Resources – informational
text with articles supporting investigations
Science-based Leveled Readers
K-2 – Pearson/Scott-Foresman
• Three titles per FOSS unit, one at each
reading level
• Strong teacher support materials
3-5 – National Geographic Ladders Series
• High interest stories and beautiful
photography
• Each reader comes in three different
reading levels
Implementation Plan
for New FOSS Science Units
• Summer 2015 – FOSS resources become available to teachers
• August 2015 – Teachers use an existing science unit - 1st trimester
• Fall 2015 – Teachers receive training with 1st new FOSS unit
• December 2015 - First new FOSS unit implemented in 2nd trimester
• Winter 2016 - Teachers receive training with 2nd new FOSS unit
• March 2016 – Second new FOSS unit implemented in 3rd trimester
• Spring 2016 - Teachers receive training with third new FOSS unit
• August 2016 – Third new FOSS unit implemented in 1st trimester
Our students and teachers thank you !