Investigating
FOSS for K-6
What is FOSS?
FOSS is an active learning science
program for teaching science in
interesting and engaging ways.
FOSS is researched and developed
at the Lawrence Hall of Science,
University of California at
Berkeley, with funding and
support by the National
Science Foundation.
What is Active Learning?
Doing science through hands on
experiences with objects, organisms, and
systems.
FOSS students
investigate
experiment
gather data
organize results
draw conclusions
Goals of FOSS
Scientific Literacy
To provide all students with science experiences that
are appropriate for their cognitive development, serve
as a foundation for more advanced study in science,
and prepare them for life in an increasingly complex
scientific and technological world.
Goals of FOSS
Instructional Efficiency
To provide all teachers with a flexible
science program that reflects current
research on learning and uses
effective teaching and
assessment methodologies.
Scientific Thinking Processes
Grade Level
Applying
7-8
Cause and effect relationships; space/time
relationships; controlled experimentation
5-6
Categorizing, grouping, classifying
Ordering: seriating and sequencing
3-4
Sensory comparisons, relative position comparisons;
measurement (linear, volume, mass, quantity, temp.)
1-2
Relating
Organizing
Communicating
Observing
9-12
Predicting patterns based on data;
formulating models; theorizing
Inferring
Comparing
Using knowledge to solve
complex problems; inventing
Silent, oral, written, pictorial
Seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling
K
FOSS Program Components
Equipment Kit
FOSS Science Stories
32 student books
Equipment and
Materials
Enough for 32 students
Teacher Guide
One per kit
Teacher
Preparation
Video
DVD included in
kit; also online
Teacher Guide
One Teacher Guide included
Found in Drawer 1 (Box A)
FOSS Introduction
OVERVIEW: science background and
management strategies
MATERIALS: inventory list and
preparation instructions
Teacher Guide
INVESTIGATIONS
Step-by-step instructions to
Prepare the materials
Guide the investigation
Integrate language arts and math
Administer assessments
Teacher Guide
INVESTIGATION MASTERS
Student response sheets
Special teacher sheets
English and Spanish
FOSS SCIENCE STORIES
RESOURCES: books and websites
FOSS WEBSITE
Assessment
Measures content knowledge as
well as process and communication
skills
Facilitates reporting through
comprehensive scoring guides and
assessment charts
Formative Assessment
Monitor student progress through
Teacher Observation
Student Sheets
Science Notebooks
Summative Assessment
Students demonstrate learning
Performance Assessment
End of Module “test”
Portfolio assessment
FOSS Science Stories
Original student books
developed to enhance the
investigations
K-2 books are expository
3-6 books are a collection of
content rich stories and articles
32 softcover books included
Found in Drawer 1 (Box A)
K-2 kits include one Big Book
Available in Spanish
Teacher Preparation Video
•
DVD included in kit
•
•
•
•
Found in Drawer 1 (Box A)
Overview of each investigation
Demonstrations of how to
set up the materials
Classroom footage of
students doing activities
Videos are online
www.fossweb.com
Measurement Tool Kits
Grades 3-6 modules require specific
measurement equipment
Additional equipment is found in a
separate box labeled Tool Kit
e.g, Variables Tool Kit
Living Materials
Purchase Living Materials separately
Coupons are sent to the school building
Redeem your coupons through Delta 3-4
weeks before starting the lesson
Immediate and long term care instructions
are in the Teacher Guide, included with the
shipment, and on FOSSWEB
If you have any trouble with the shipment,
contact Delta Education immediately at
800-258-1302
FOSSWEB.com
Interactive simulations to extend and
apply student learning
Resources for parents and teachers
Sample Module Page
www.fossweb.com
Teacher Resources
www.fossweb.com
Professional Development
Ongoing professional development
and implementation training
Conference workshops and
summer institutes
Teacher Preparation Videos
FOSS Website
FOSS Newsletter
Teach with confidence!
Complete curriculum
Thoroughly researched during
development
Standards-based content
Nationally field-tested activities and
materials
Proven success stories nationwide
Don’t just open books,
open minds!
For more information
www.deltaeducation.com
www.fossweb.com
www.lhsfoss.org
www.fossworks.com