Plant and Animal Care

Living Organisms: Plant and Animal Care

Plant and Animal Care  |  Organism Source  |  Live Organism Schedule  

In several of the FOSS modules and courses, living organisms are brought into the classroom to be cared for and observed by K–8 students. Through the direct experience with organisms provided by these modules, we hope to engender in students a sense of respect for all life and to spark a desire to understand the complex systems that support life on Earth.

The FOSS program endorses the National Science Teachers Association "Guidelines for Responsible Use of Live Animals in the Science Classroom", as they apply to elementary and middle school classrooms.

The FOSS program provides detailed information on how to obtain organisms, how to prepare for their arrival, how to care for them in the classroom, and how to instruct students to properly handle each animal. The animals in the modules were selected because they are abundant, safe for students, easy to care for, and hardy and well-adapted to classroom environments. FOSS selected organisms that were non-exotic, commonly available from local and regional suppliers, and, in some cases, found in the natural environments in many regions of the country. When investigations are carried out as described, the insects, worms, crustaceans, snails, and fish are not harmed in any way.

  • Find out where and how to obtain the organisms with the Organism Source chart.
  • The Live Organism Schedule will provide information on where in the module the organism is used, as well as details on the quantities you will need, and living organism coupons (LOC) available from Delta.
  • Detailed information on plant and animal care is located on the "Plant Animal Care" page under the "Materials" section of the module detail page.

Information about individual organisms can also be found below.

AQUATIC SNAILS
BESS BEETLES
BRASSICA
BRINE SHRIMP
BULBS
CHICKEN EGGS
CRAYFISH
CRICKETS
DAPHNIA
DUCKWEED
EARTHWORMS
ELODEA
GAMMARUS
GOLDFISH
GUPPIES
ISOPODS
LANDSNAILS
MADAGASCAR HISSING COCKROACHES
MEALWORMS
MILKWEED BUGS
PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLIES
PARAMECIA
SEEDS
SILKWORM MOTHS
WAXWORM MOTHS
TRADESCANTIA ZEBRINA