High School Science

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 22 percent of 12th-grade students in the United States are proficient in science, leaving the majority of students without the foundational knowledge for scientific literacy. As with any standardized tests, questions can be raised about the relevance of the NAEP data, but students need to demonstrate their prowess with science in some sort of reliable and valid manner.

Even in today’s science classrooms, too much emphasis is put on memorization instead of on fostering critical thinking skills. In the 2021 SC CCR Science Standards, the focus shifts from memorization to critical thinking. Science is not an isolated subject—it intersects meaningfully with all of the other disciplines in powerful ways. Integrating science with math, social studies, language arts, art, and music, can help students appreciate the relevance of science in their everyday lives and help them develop critical thinking skills in multiple areas.

A well-educated and scientifically literate populace can contribute to technological advancements, economic growth, and improved public health.