FoSS Science

What is Next Generation FOSS?

FOSS was designed from its roots to provide every child with the opportunity to develop their ability to think scientifically. The FOSS staff at the Lawrence Hall of Science devised FOSS to fully integrate active investigation and multisensory learning, an approach proven effective for all learners, regardless of prior knowledge, language, or background. If you, too, believe that every student can benefit in life from a solid scientific education and all that comes with it, your students deserve the advantages of FOSS. 


How is the curriculum structured?

FOSS K–8 is a coherent program based on learning progressions that guide nine years of a student's academic career. Some of the effective teaching strategies of the elementary program have been carried through to middle school, and some of the successful instructional tools from middle school have been incorporated into the K–5 program. A unified K–8 program strengthens every FOSS elementary module and middle school course. A consistent K–8 program benefits all students.

FOSS Next Generation is built on the assumptions that understanding of core scientific phenomena and how science functions are essential for citizenship. And, as always, FOSS believes that all teachers can teach science, and that all students can learn science.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)  are K–12 science content standards. Standards set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do. The NGSS were developed by states to improve science education for all students. 

Never before has our world been so complex and scientific literacy is critical to making sense of it all. NGSS centers on a "three-dimensional learning" approach with a focus on three pillars that support each standard, now called "performance expectations." These three dimensions are: Science and Engineering Practices (SEP), Crosscutting Concepts (CCC), and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI).

Science policy in ousd

Hands-on Science for Every Student, Every Week - Why?

Instructional Minutes for Elementary:


Students learn science best by doing science. This means that students need to have hands-on experiences with materials - objects, equipment, live organisms, etc. Real experiences provide the foundation for conceptual understanding thus enabling students to connect to science ideas about the natural world around them. 


“The actual doing of science or engineering can also pique students’ curiosity, capture their interest, and motivate their continued study; the insights thus gained help them recognize that the work of scientists and engineers is a creative endeavor, one that has deeply affected the world they live in.” - CA Science Framework 

Check out the 23-24 FOSS ROTATION Schedule.

Science - FOSS Rotation Schedule 23-24 (Public)

When Are My FOSS Kit Materials Coming?

The FOSS curriculum consists of three modules per year (Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.) The materials kits are rotated through schools each trimester and centrally refurbished every summer by the OUSD Science Department.

Check out the date when your kits will be delivered each trimester!