FOSS 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 project began over 20 years ago during a time of growing concern that our nation was not providing young students with an adequate science education.  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.  Development of the FOSS program was, and continues to be, guided by advances in the understanding of how youngsters think and learn.