FOSS gives students the opportunity to think and act like scientists and engineers. UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science developed FOSS® Next Generation™ for Illinois to honor the letter and spirit of NGSS. FOSS presents science the way students learn it, as they explore phenomena firsthand on a journey toward mastering the three dimensions of the Framework. It’s why FOSS is proven to measurably improve test scores in districts across the country. Why FOSS?
Here are some of the schools and districts statewide that are using FOSS. To find out more, talk to your local FOSS representative.
The FOSS curriculum is designed as a laddered series of experiences that cumulatively develop not just knowledge, but scientific thinking across all three NGSS dimensions.
While we suggest this middle school scope and sequence, each 4–14 week course can be used as primary or supplemental science education and taught at any grade in the 6–8 range.
| Grade | Integrated Middle Grades | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 8 | Heredity & Adaptation* ES, LS |
Electromagnetic Force* PS, ES, E |
Gravity & Kinetic Energy* PS, E |
Waves* PS, E |
Planetary Science PS, ES |
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| Grade 7 | Chemical Interactions PS, ES, E |
Earth History PS, ES, LS |
Populations & Ecosystems ES, LS, E |
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| Grade 6 | Weather & Water PS, ES, E |
Diversity of Life LS |
Human Systems Interactions* LS |
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PS: Physical Science content, ES: Earth Science content, LS: Life Science content, E: Engineering content
*Half-length courses
| Grade | Physical Science | Earth Science | Life Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 | Mixtures & Solutions | Earth & Sun | Living Systems |
| Grade 4 | Energy | Soils, Rocks, and Landforms | Environments |
| Grade 3 | Motion & Matter | Water & Climate | Structures of Life |
| Grade 2 | Solids & Liquids | Pebbles, Sand & Silt | Insects & Plants |
| Grade 1 | Sound & Light | Air & Weather | Plants & Animals |
| Grade K | Materials & Motion | Trees & Weather | Animals Two by Two |
| Grade Pre-K | Full-year Observing Nature | ||
FOSS has amassed a legacy of results spanning all 50 states and reflecting the combined experience of 100,000 teachers. If you're looking for a science curriculum proven to work for students of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, your search begins and ends with FOSS.
In LA, FOSS delivered massive test score improvement and then sustained it.
When FOSS was adopted in a district scoring 17 points below standard, it completely closed the test-score gap in just 3 years
This district's test scores were already satisfactory. But after implementing FOSS, thosescores jumped up and stayed up.
In a pilot with 63 teachers in 15 schools, FOSS was the overwhelming winner on multiple criteria over a leading "designed for NGSS" competitor.
The Oakland school district faced multiple obstacles to learning. But once it adopted FOSS, its students' test scores rose against the tide.
America's most awarded, most adopted science program
Three decades of continuous refinement by 100,000 teachers
Professional development & support unmatched by any competitor
