Science

Science at Ormondale

FOSS and Project Lead the Way Units of Study are the current science curriculum for Ormondale as we complete our transition to the Next Generation Science Standards.  Hands on experiments, demonstrations, and projects engage students in both the content and the scientific process helping them to develop skills of observation and an overall love of science. 
 
FOSS and PLTW are the starting points for students' scientific explorations. Many Investigative Learning projects begin with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and then expand to include additional concepts of interest to the students.  The Literacy Library contains an extensive selection of nonfiction resources exploring science topics which teachers integrate into their guided reading program. Each of our grade level teams work with the Science and STEM teacher, Jeanne Rusch, to enrich the units of study.

Science Fair and Invention Convention

 
Mark your calendars for our annual Science and Invention Convention coming up on February 6th - February 8th, 2018.  We want to get you and your child inspired about participating in the fair!

For the fair, students can choose to do an invention, an experiment, or a demonstration.

  • An invention is the creation of something from your mind resulting from study and experimentation. You can design something that solves a problem or apply the design process to create something from your imagination.

  • An experiment uses the Scientific Method to answer questions about the world around us.


  • A demonstration describes a scientific principle that we already know and shows how it works.  

This year we want to highlight and support the invention side of things which our students have already been exploring through the use of our Maker Space.

How can you engage and inspire your child in the invention process.


  1. Start conversations about what it means to be an inventor. (http://www.susancaseybooks.com/PDF/THINKING%20OF%20IDEAS%20FOR%20INVENTIONS09.pdf)

  1. Check out this fun website and inspiring video:

  1. Visit a Museum for inspiration

  • Children’s Discovery Museum (San Jose)

  • Exploratorium (San Francisco)

  • CuriOdyssey (San Mateo)

 
SCIENCE FAIR
 
Resources:
 
Project Lead the Way
 
 
FOSS: Full Option Science System
http://www.fossweb.com/

FOSS: California
http://www.fossweb.com/CA/index.php

Lawrence Hall of Science FOSS 
http://lawrencehallofscience.org/foss/