Note: The complete National Science Education Standards may be found at:
http://stills.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/html/

NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FOR TEACHERS OF SCIENCE

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARD A:
Professional development for teachers of science requires learning essential science content through the perspectives and methods of inquiry. Science learning experiences for teachers must
oInvolve teachers in actively investigating phenomena that can be studied scientifically, interpreting results, and making sense of findings consistent with currently accepted scientific understanding.
oAddress issues, events, problems, or topics significant in science and of interest to participants.
oIntroduce teachers to scientific literature, media, and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge.
oBuild on the teacher's current science understanding, ability, and attitudes.
oIncorporate ongoing reflection on the process and outcomes of understanding science through inquiry.
oEncourage and support teachers in efforts to collaborate.

NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS

PROGRAM STANDARD B:
The program of study in science for all students should be developmentally appropriate, interesting, and relevant to students' lives; emphasize student understanding through inquiry; and be connected with other school subjects.

PROGRAM STANDARD D:
The K-12 science program must give students access to appropriate and sufficient resources, including quality teachers, time, materials and equipment, adequate and safe space, and the community. The most important resource is professional teachers. Good science programs require access to the world beyond the classroom.

NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHING STANDARDS

TEACHING STANDARD A:
Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students. In doing this, teachers
oSelect science content and adapt and design curricula to meet the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities, and experiences of students.
oSelect teaching and assessment strategies that support the development of student understanding and nurture a community of science learners.
oWork together as colleagues within and across disciplines and grade levels.

TEACHING STANDARD B:
Teachers of science guide and facilitate learning. In doing this, teachers
oFocus and support inquiries while interacting with students.
o Challenge students to accept and share responsibility for their own learning.
oEncourage and model the skills of scientific inquiry, as well as the curiosity, openness to new ideas and data, and skepticism that characterize science.

TEACHING STANDARD D:
Teachers of science design and manage learning environments that provide students with the time, space, and resources needed for learning science. In doing this, teachers
oStructure the time available so that students are able to engage in extended investigations.
oCreate a setting for student work that is flexible and supportive of science inquiry.
oEnsure a safe working environment.
o Make the available science tools, materials, media, and technological resources accessible to students.
oIdentify and use resources outside the school.
oEngage students in designing the learning environment.

TEACHING STANDARD E:
Teachers of science develop communities of science learners that reflect the intellectual rigor of scientific inquiry and the attitudes and social values conducive to science learning. In doing this, teachers
oEnable students to have a significant voice in decisions about the content and context of their work and require students to take responsibility for the learning of all members of the community.
oNurture collaboration among students.
oModel and emphasize the skills, attitudes, and values of scientific inquiry.

NATIONAL SCIENCE CONTENT STANDARDS

Science as Inquiry
CONTENT STANDARD A: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop
oAbilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
oUnderstandings about scientific inquiry

Physical Science
CONTENT STANDARD B: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
oInteractions of energy and matter

Life Science
CONTENT STANDARD C: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
oBiological evolution
oInterdependence of organisms
oMatter, energy, and organization in living systems
oBehavior of organisms

Earth and Space Science
CONTENT STANDARD D: As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of
oEnergy in the earth system
oGeochemical cycles
oOrigin and evolution of the earth system

Science and Technology
CONTENT STANDARD E: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop
oAbilities of technological design
oUnderstandings about science and technology

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
CONTENT STANDARD F: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
oPopulation growth
oNatural resources
oEnvironmental quality
oNatural and human-induced hazards
oScience and technology in local, national, and global challenges

History and Nature of Science
CONTENT STANDARD G: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of
oScience as a human endeavor
oNature of scientific knowledge