NAEP Science - US Science Score Trends
2019 NAEP Science Scores Decline Among 4th Graders; Achievement Gaps in 4th Grade and 8th Grade Widen
- In 2019, 36% of 4th graders, 35% of 8th graders, and 22% of 12th graders reached NAEP Proficient in science.
- U.S. science scores declined in 4th grade from 2015.
- Science achievement gaps increased between higher- and lower-performing students in 4th grade and 8th grade.
2019 Science Survey Findings
- One-third of 4th grade students had teachers who reported they “never to once-or-twice-a-year” had students participate in scientific inquiry-related activities, like conducting lab experiments or collecting and analyzing data at school.
- About 25% of 8th graders reported low levels of interest in science.
- Roughly three in five high school students reported currently taking a science course.
US Science Achievement Level Examples
8th Grade
Achievement Level |
Subscale |
Example of Knowledge or Skill |
|---|---|---|
NAEP Basic |
Physical Science |
Identify that matter has unique chemical and physical properties. |
Life Science |
Know that plants need sunlight to grow and reproduce. |
|
Earth and Space Sciences |
Know that sedimentary rock relates to fossil formation; and that fossils are evidence of past environments. |
|
NAEP Proficient |
Physical Science |
Understand that the chemical or physical properties of a substance make it suitable for use in certain applications. |
Life Science |
Identify the foundational process and components of photosynthesis. |
|
Earth and Space Sciences |
Interpret evidence from fossils and rock layers to determine information about past environments. |
|
NAEP Advanced |
Physical Science |
Identify the appropriate material to perform a function based on the material’s chemical or physical properties. |
Life Science |
Understand the interaction between organisms and environmental factors in nutrient cycling. |
|
Earth and Space Sciences |
Explain how earth materials are made and broken-down using knowledge of geologic processes. |
NAEP Science Assessment Framework
What physical, life, and earth and space science skills should students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades be able to demonstrate? The NAEP Science Assessment Framework provides a detailed blueprint of skills by topic and grade.
Science Assessment Schedule
2028 |
National and state scores for 8th grade |
2032 |
National scores for 4th grade and 8th grade; state scores for 8th grade |