Science Standards

The United States has National Science Education Standards. Below are the science content standards for students in grades 9-12. This lesson meets the following national standards:

Standard A: Science as Inquiry
Standard C: Life Science
Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Standard G: History and Nature of Science


Each state has its own science content standards. Search McREL's database for your state standards.

A. Science as Inquiry

As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understandings about scientific inquiry
B. Physical Science

As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of

  • Structure of atoms
  • Structure and properties of matter
  • Chemical reactions
  • Motions and forces
  • Conservation of energy and increase in disorder
  • Interactions of energy and matter
C. Life Science

As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of

  • The cell
  • Molecular basis of heredity
  • Biological evolution
  • Interdependence of organisms
  • Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
  • Behavior of organisms
D. Earth and Space Science

As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of

  • Energy in the earth system
  • Geochemical cycles
  • Origin and evolution of the earth system
  • Origin and evolution of the universe
E. Science and Technology

As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop

  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understandings about science and technology
F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of

  • Personal and community health
  • Population growth
  • Natural resources
  • Environmental quality
  • Natural and human-induced hazards
  • Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
G. History and Nature of Science

As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of

  • Science as a human endeavor
  • Nature of scientific knowledge
  • Historical perspectives

Reference

US Standards
Science Content Standards 9-12

England Science Curriculum
National Curriculum: Science