Life Science
(September - November)
Observing Crayfish with students at Ramstein Intermediate
Observing Crayfish with students at Ramstein Intermediate
Our youngest students naturally have a keen interest in life science. From an early age they may follow a bug’s progress across the floor, laugh in delight at the antics of a kitten, or watch in wonder as the tiny pea they planted in the garden produces food for their plate.
Our youngest students naturally have a keen interest in life science. From an early age they may follow a bug’s progress across the floor, laugh in delight at the antics of a kitten, or watch in wonder as the tiny pea they planted in the garden produces food for their plate.
Because of their interest, students often begin this unit of study with a large body of knowledge that they can build on. Life science study provides a perfect opportunity for students to practice some more complex skills that they will need in all areas of their science learning.
Because of their interest, students often begin this unit of study with a large body of knowledge that they can build on. Life science study provides a perfect opportunity for students to practice some more complex skills that they will need in all areas of their science learning.
2023 Scheduled Organism Shipment Dates
2023 Scheduled Organism Shipment Dates
Organism arrival dates may have changed for some grade levels. Teachers may need to adjust instruction/investigation to support the arrive of organisms.
Organism arrival dates may have changed for some grade levels. Teachers may need to adjust instruction/investigation to support the arrive of organisms.
Life Science FOSS Material List
Life Science FOSS Material List
This documents identifies the materials needed for each investigation and where it is located in the FOSS Science Kit.
This documents identifies the materials needed for each investigation and where it is located in the FOSS Science Kit.
Organism Quick Reference Guides
Organism Quick Reference Guides
The Quick Reference Guide provides an overview of the organisms at each grade level. The guide states which drawer of the FOSS kit the materials can be found along with the other relative information such as food and care of the organism. Organism delivery dates on the guides are tentative, updated information will be sent to your school Science Leader about the organism shipments dates.
The Quick Reference Guide provides an overview of the organisms at each grade level. The guide states which drawer of the FOSS kit the materials can be found along with the other relative information such as food and care of the organism. Organism delivery dates on the guides are tentative, updated information will be sent to your school Science Leader about the organism shipments dates.
Life Science Focus Questions and Student Performance Expectations
Life Science Focus Questions and Student Performance Expectations
This document helps you to see the big picture of the Life Science module. It includes the anchor phenomenon, driving question for the module along with the guiding question for each investigation, and focus question for each part of the investigation. The Understanding how each component fits together will provide you with greater insight to the science concepts students will explore in this module.
This document helps you to see the big picture of the Life Science module. It includes the anchor phenomenon, driving question for the module along with the guiding question for each investigation, and focus question for each part of the investigation. The Understanding how each component fits together will provide you with greater insight to the science concepts students will explore in this module.
Reminder: Organisms CANNOT be released into the local environment!
Reminder: Organisms CANNOT be released into the local environment!
Most of the live organisms will not have a long life span, but it will be important to have a plan for those organisms that live to the end of the school year.
Most of the live organisms will not have a long life span, but it will be important to have a plan for those organisms that live to the end of the school year.
Most importantly the Living Curricular Materials MUST NOT be released into the local environment because they can become unwanted pests, damaging the environment, local organisms, and food webs.
Most importantly the Living Curricular Materials MUST NOT be released into the local environment because they can become unwanted pests, damaging the environment, local organisms, and food webs.
All schools have an Organism Disposal Plan so if you have questions please talk with your Administrator or Science Leader.
All schools have an Organism Disposal Plan so if you have questions please talk with your Administrator or Science Leader.
Science Evidence Statements
Science Evidence Statements
Evidence Statements provide educators with additional details on what students should know and be able to do. These Evidence Statements describe a detailed look at the student performance expectations.
Evidence Statements provide educators with additional details on what students should know and be able to do. These Evidence Statements describe a detailed look at the student performance expectations.
Life Science Articles of Interest
Life Science Articles of Interest
Invasive Crayfish
Invasive Crayfish
Vince Patton of "Oregon Field Guide" reports on the threat posed to waterways by the eastern crayfish, a species native to the Ohio River that can now be found in 18 states and two Canadian
Vince Patton of "Oregon Field Guide" reports on the threat posed to waterways by the eastern crayfish, a species native to the Ohio River that can now be found in 18 states and two Canadian
Life Science in the Fall of 2020
Life Science in the Fall of 2020
K-5 Live Specimen Protocols for Varying HPCON Levels for Fall SY 20-21
K-5 Live Specimen Protocols for Varying HPCON Levels for Fall SY 20-21
HPCON Alpha & Bravo
HPCON Alpha & Bravo
At HPCON Alpha & Bravo, the live specimen orders will be shipped to the schools for in-person learning.
At HPCON Alpha & Bravo, the live specimen orders will be shipped to the schools for in-person learning.
HPCON Charlie
HPCON Charlie
If it is HPCON Charlie at the start of school, the school year will begin in remote learning.
If it is HPCON Charlie at the start of school, the school year will begin in remote learning.
* Live specimens orders will not be sent during the weeks the HPCON is at Charlie. The district PK-5 Science ISS should contact DoDEA Headquarters as soon as it is determined a location will be starting in remote learning to coordinate with the contractor and live organism subcontractors.
* Live specimens orders will not be sent during the weeks the HPCON is at Charlie. The district PK-5 Science ISS should contact DoDEA Headquarters as soon as it is determined a location will be starting in remote learning to coordinate with the contractor and live organism subcontractors.
* Teachers may request that a set of live organisms are sent if they wish to have the specimens to conduct the investigations with the class remotely. This should be coordinated with the principal and district PK-5 Science ISS. Factors that may influence this decision include 1) if the teacher is teaching remotely from the school or from their home, 2) the teacher’s comfort level with guiding the investigation remotely.
* Teachers may request that a set of live organisms are sent if they wish to have the specimens to conduct the investigations with the class remotely. This should be coordinated with the principal and district PK-5 Science ISS. Factors that may influence this decision include 1) if the teacher is teaching remotely from the school or from their home, 2) the teacher’s comfort level with guiding the investigation remotely.
* The ISS team has prepared photos and videos to support observation of live organisms for remote learning. The Lawrence Hall of Science (authors of the FOSS program) have prepared guidance and resources to assist teachers in planning for remote learning. These resources can be found on the DoDEA Elementary Remote Learning Resources website and FOSSweb.
* The ISS team has prepared photos and videos to support observation of live organisms for remote learning. The Lawrence Hall of Science (authors of the FOSS program) have prepared guidance and resources to assist teachers in planning for remote learning. These resources can be found on the DoDEA Elementary Remote Learning Resources website and FOSSweb.
If it is HPCON Charlie after the start of the school, the school will be closed.
If it is HPCON Charlie after the start of the school, the school will be closed.
* There is no requirement to transfer to remote learning if the closure is expected to be 5 days or less. In this situation, the live organisms should be given food & water before the teacher departs the school. The live organisms should survive in their habitat while awaiting on instruction to resume. The live organism shipment schedule will be adjusted and shipments will continue.
* There is no requirement to transfer to remote learning if the closure is expected to be 5 days or less. In this situation, the live organisms should be given food & water before the teacher departs the school. The live organisms should survive in their habitat while awaiting on instruction to resume. The live organism shipment schedule will be adjusted and shipments will continue.
* If closure is expected to be longer than 6 days, transfer to remote learning is expected after 3 school days. In this situation, the school (science teacher leader, material manager, principal, etc.) should contact the PK-5 Science ISS to discuss the best course of action for the live organisms in the situation. For example, if it is at the beginning or the middle of the investigation, a teacher may wish to continue the investigation with the class remotely. If it is at the end of the investigation or if all employees will be staying home during the closure, it may be best to go ahead with the disposal protocol to ensure that the live organisms do not perish during the closure. The remaining shipments will be canceled, unless otherwise requested.
* If closure is expected to be longer than 6 days, transfer to remote learning is expected after 3 school days. In this situation, the school (science teacher leader, material manager, principal, etc.) should contact the PK-5 Science ISS to discuss the best course of action for the live organisms in the situation. For example, if it is at the beginning or the middle of the investigation, a teacher may wish to continue the investigation with the class remotely. If it is at the end of the investigation or if all employees will be staying home during the closure, it may be best to go ahead with the disposal protocol to ensure that the live organisms do not perish during the closure. The remaining shipments will be canceled, unless otherwise requested.
* The ISS team has prepared photos and videos to support observation of live organisms for remote learning. The Lawrence Hall of Science (authors of the FOSS program) have prepared guidance and resources to assist teachers in planning for remote learning. These resources can be found on the DoDEA Elementary Remote Learning Resources website and FOSSweb.
* The ISS team has prepared photos and videos to support observation of live organisms for remote learning. The Lawrence Hall of Science (authors of the FOSS program) have prepared guidance and resources to assist teachers in planning for remote learning. These resources can be found on the DoDEA Elementary Remote Learning Resources website and FOSSweb.