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! 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.  

Public Comment is now being accepted on the Common Core State Standards. The draft English/Language Arts Common Core standards include literacy standards in science.  View the Language Arts Standards page for more information, including a link to the draft Common Core standards and a link to the Minnesota Department of Education's feedback form. Comments will be accepted through Monday, March 29, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

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.

On-demand Video Presentations
The 2009 Revision of the Science Standards workshop presented February 3, 2010, is available via on-demand video streaming. The three recorded segments provide views of both the presenter and the slides with instant access to any portion of the presentation.

• View the Overview of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards video presentation (101 minutes).
• View the Implementing Secondary Science Standards and Graduation Requirements video presentation (36 minutes).
• View the MCA Assessment of the 2009 Science Standards video presentation (55 minutes).

Nominate a Teacher for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
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. Nominations for elementary school teachers (grades K-6) are open now and must be completed by April 1, 2010. Nominees will receive an e-mail with a username and password to access the online application. Visit the Presidential Awards 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. Visit the Learning Loop 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.