Full Option Science System (FOSS) program is a research-based science curriculum for grades K–8 developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley. FOSS is also an ongoing research project dedicated to improving the learning and teaching of science. The FOSS program materials are designed to meet the challenge of providing meaningful science education for all students in diverse American classrooms and to prepare them for life in the 21st century. In addition, the development of the FOSS program was, and continues to be, guided by advances in the understanding of how youngsters think and learn. The FOSS program is designed for students to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations, and analyses in order to appreciate the scientific enterprise, learn important scientific concepts, and develop the ability to think critically.

 

McKinley Elementary School has been piloting the FOSS program this year, and teachers and students are finding great success with the curriculum. Students are engaged in the same practices of scientists and engineers, building 21st century skills while deepening their knowledge of science content.

 

The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) is committed to offering every student meaningful access to high quality science. This requires an investment in professional development, science materials, and high quality science curriculum. Under the SBUSD Elementary STEM initiative, all K-6 teachers have participated in foundational trainings in science that have focused on science content as well as pedagogy. The purchase of the FOSS curriculum would be the next step towards implementing high quality science lessons in the classroom.