ScienceAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Science
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Science

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! DUAL NOTICE: Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules Without a Public Hearing Unless 25 or More Persons Request a Hearing; and Notice of Hearing if 25 or More Requests for Hearing Are Received. Comments are encouraged.
The deadline for submission of written comments in support of or opposition to the Science Academic Standards Rules must be received by the agency contact person, Kerstin Forsythe Hahn by 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2010.  All comments must be in writing and should identify the portion of the proposed rules addressed, the reason for the comment and any change proposed. Read the complete notice including contact information.  

Science Standards Test Specification Draft
The MDE Assessment Division has released the MCA-III Draft Test Specifications for Science which will be used to develop assessments to the new standards. The Science MCA-III based on the new standards will begin in the 2011-12 school year. The Draft Test Specifications are posted at the MCA Assessment Web page.  Members of the public are welcome to submit comments on the draft Test Specifications until May 2010. Comments should be e-mailed to mde.testing@state.mn.us with “Science MCA-III Test Specifications” in the subject line.

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.  During the rulemaking process, the Academic Standards: Science K-12 (2009) - Edited version for Rulemaking 7.15.09 and the Academic Standards: Science K-12 (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.

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.

2009 National Youth Science Camp Information and Instructions doc icon 47Kb (1/9/2009)
     This document lists instructions about how and when to apply for the National Youth Science Camp and includes a cover sheet template.
Academic Standards: Science K-12 (2009) - Edited version for Rulemaking 7.15.09 pdf icon 268Kb (7/30/2009) doc icon 679Kb (7/30/2009)
     These science standards are approved by MDE with minor edits for format and grammar. This version is being used in the rulemaking process.
Academic Standards: Science K-12 (2009) - Editorial Changes Made 7.15.09 pdf icon 44Kb (7/30/2009)
     The document shows the changes that were made to the April 27 version of the science standards to prepare them for the rulemaking process.
Academic Standards: Science K-12 (2009) - Frequently Asked Questions pdf icon 52Kb (5/1/2009)
     Find answers to questions about the Science Standards, particularly in regard to transitioning to the 2009 version.
Academic Standards: Science K-12 (from 2003) pdf icon 205Kb (5/24/2007) doc icon 273Kb (5/24/2007)
     Minnesota's K-12 Academic Standards in Science, table format (2003 version)
CLEP: Quick Start for Science Students pdf icon 432Kb (7/1/2009)
     Guide for science students who wish to take one or more CLEP exams.
Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form Examples (for 2003 Standards) doc icon 61Kb (10/9/2007)
     Examples given to help schools complete the science curriculum and assessment alignment form.
Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form for Science (for 2003 Standards) doc icon 254Kb (9/21/2007)
     This form was designed for use by schools and online learning providers in order to document alignment with the 2003 standards. The companion document, Curriculum and Assessment Alignment Form Examples, can help you get started.
Internet Resources for Science pdf icon 357Kb (7/9/2007)
     List of Web sites of interest to science teachers and students, organized by type of resource and/or grade level.
Science Standards Revision: Assumptions pdf icon 86Kb (1/7/2008) doc icon 40Kb (1/7/2008)
     Assumptions the committee will use to guide their work revising the science standards. Individuals interested in serving on the committee must read and agree to these assumptions before submitting an application.