Science Education in Nebraska
Why?
Science is a systematic sense-making process, aimed at figuring out the physical and natural world through observation and investigation. Scientists:
- look closely, question deeply, think critically, and connect related data and phenomena to identify patterns
- pay attention to our place as humans in a complex ecosystem defined by physical laws
- look for new evidence and constantly revise and critically evaluate claims, theories, and worldviews
As the community of Nebraska educators, it is our responsibility to invite all students to explore the rich nature of science within inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms, and prepare scientifically literate citizens ready to understand, engage, and transform the world.
What?
All Nebraska students use scientific literacy to engage in civic-minded decision making as they demonstrate readiness for college, career, and lifelong learning. Pre-K to grade 12 students:
- gather, analyze, and communicate information from multiple sources (including data from their own investigations)
- make connections between learning and their lives, passions, and postsecondary interests
- engage in authentic and relevant learning experiences that cultivate curiosity
- make sense of phenomena
- design creative and well-researched solutions to local and global problems
How?
Nebraska high school graduates will enter their profession or higher education having benefited from access to meaningful and dedicated opportunities to learn and practice the three dimensions of science education. Students will draw from the integrated nature of science as well as their prior knowledge to engage with:
- high-quality instruction and materials at the right level, time, and intensity that include daily opportunities to
- develop explanations, arguments, and models
- identify problems, ask questions, and design solutions
- revise thinking based on multiple sources of evidence and intentional data analysis
- high expectations for learning and achievement, established and carefully monitored through an embedded 3-D system of assessment as part of an ongoing cycle of instruction
News & Notes
Help Shape Nebraska’s Statewide Assessments
The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for experienced educators to help with science assessment development and review. This is a great opportunity to make an impact on statewide assessments! Stipends are available for work done outside of district contract hours.
For more information or to apply, visit our Statewide Assessment Test Development page.
Science Standards Revision Process
The revised Nebraska Career & College Ready Science Standards were approved on September 6, 2024.
The 2024-25 School year will begin the Exploration Stage of the revised Science Standards.
- EXPLORATION: After State Board approval, this stage, Exploration, is the opportunity to explore the newly revised content area standards and assess readiness to implement. During this stage, time and activities focus on building understanding of the newly revised content area standards and the instructional shifts reflected within revised standards. This stage also includes communication strategies to build awareness and guide decision making related to implementation at the local level.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching (PAEMST)
The PAEMST award recognizes those teachers that have both deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Recipients of the national award receive:
- a certificate signed by the President of the United States
- an all‐expenses paid trip to a recognition event
- a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation
- an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.
See the PAEMST page for more information on how to apply.
Important Science Links
2024 Science Standards
STEM
Science Assessment
NIMC
