NOCCS Curriculum: Science

Science Education is based on standards developed from the National Science Education Standards and the California Science Standards. In all classrooms, an emphasis is placed on understanding the nature and process of scientific investigation (observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, relating, inferring, and applying) and experimentation with strong connections to other disciplines. Current scientific findings, ethical debates, issues related to global ecology, and the environment are included to encourage connections between science and the world.

Science Outcomes

Students will demonstrate their understanding of scientific research methods and apply major concepts of various branches of physical, earth, and life sciences, and other science subjects aligned with the California Content Standards

FOSS (Full Option Science System) is a research-based science curriculum for grades K–8 developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley. The program is aligned with the National Science Foundation education standards and the California Science Content Standards in Life, Earth, and Physical sciences, as well as the standards for Investigation and Experimentation.

The overall goal of the FOSS program is to develop a scientific literacy for students of all ages and backgrounds. The best way for students to appreciate the scientific enterprise, learn important scientific concepts, and develop the ability to think critically is to actively construct ideas through their own inquiries, investigations, and analyses. The FOSS program is a complete, modular program created to engage students in these processes as they explore the natural world. The curriculum provides all students with science experiences that are appropriate to their stages of cognitive development. These experiences serve as a foundation for more advanced ideas that prepare students for life in an increasingly complex scientific and technological world.

The K–8 learning modules are organized under the strands of Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and Scientific Reasoning and Technology. Most modules and courses are designed to be appropriate for two grade levels, which is beneficial for NOCCS multiage classrooms and looping curriculum.