NAEP Science — US Science Score Trends
In 2024, average 8th grade NAEP Science scores decreased 4 points from 2019. Score differences between the highest- and lowest-performing students widened.
- 38% of 8th graders scored below NAEP Basic in 2024, the highest percentage since 2009.
- 31% of 8th graders scored at or above NAEP Proficient in 2024 — compared to 35% in 2019.
- Science achievement gaps increased between the highest- and lowest-performing 8th graders. Scores for lower-performing students are the lowest ever reported on the assessment (since 2009).
- The male-female gap in science achievement reappeared in 2024.
2024 Science Survey Findings
- A smaller percentage of students reported that they often or always participate in scientific-inquiry activities in the classroom, like using evidence from experiments to explain why something happens, compared to 2019.
- 28% of students reported a high-level of interest and enjoyment in science, compared to 38% in 2019.
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 |