ScienceAcademic Excellence :

Science is the active study of nature, its structures and its processes. Science students use their senses and tools to observe, record and analyze data about the natural world. Scientifically literate young people can understand phenomena, solve problems and produce new technologies for today's world.

New K-12 Science Standards!
The Science Standards Revision Committee has completed the final draft of the revised Minnesota K-12 science standards. A committee of 30 K-12 educators, higher education faculty and business and community representatives spent about a year drafting the 2009 revised science standards and benchmarks. The process included many committee meetings, consultation of national and state standards documents and reports, and review of feedback provided by consultants and the public at several stages. Drafts were reviewed by national science and engineering education experts, the Minnesota P-16 Education Partnership, special education experts and special topic focus groups.

The proposed 2009 revision of the Minnesota K-12 science standards is now posted on the Minnesota Department of Education Website.  The proposed revised standards will proceed through the state administrative rulemaking process so that school districts can implement the revised science standards no later than the 2011-12 school year.  During the rulemaking process, the Academic Standards: Science K-12 (2009) and the Academic Standards in Science (2009) – Frequently Asked Questions documents should be used to make science education decisions. A copy of the current (2003) Academic Standards in Science is also available. For documents related to the standards revision process, please see the Content Archive.

Join the Discussion on the Science Standards
Receive information and ask questions during any of five online (WebEx) presentations on the new standards that will be offered between May 12 and May 19. In addition, there will be a live presentation and discussion at the Minnesota Department of Education on May 21. View these events and register by selecting the Calendar link at the top of the page.

Nominate a Teacher for the 2009 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.  The Presidential Awards are the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics or science teachers may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. Anyone may nominate a deserving math or science teacher for this prestigious award. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Nominees will receive an e-mail with a username and password to access the online application. Applications for secondary school teachers (grades 7-12) are open now and must be completed by May 1, 2009.  Visit the Award Website to submit a nomination.

Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form for Science.  This form was designed for use by schools and online learning providers in order to document alignment with the standards. The companion document, Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form Examples, can help you get started.

MN Learning Loop is an important resource for teachers. Developed by TIES with a grant from MDE, it provides classroom resources for teachers, including a searchable database of the 2003 Minnesota Academic Standards in Science and the Minnesota Science Teachers Association Website.

Contact: John Olson at 651-582-8673

*Links to third-party sites are provided as a service to Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Website visitors. See our disclaimer regarding these sites in our copyright information linked at the bottom of this page. Links will open in a new browser window.