Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and.

A new conceptual framework -- Guiding assumptions and organization of the framework -- Dimension 1: scientific and engineering practices -- Dimension 2: crosscutting concepts -- Dimension 3: disciplinary core ideas-physical sciences -- Dimension 3: disciplinary core ideas-life sciences -- Dimension 3: disciplinary core ideas-earth and space sciences -- Dimension 3: disciplinary core ideas-engineering, technology, and applications of science -- Integrating the three dimensions -- Implementation: curriculum, instruction, teacher development, and assessment -- Equity and diversity in science and engineering education -- Guidance for standards developers -- Looking toward the future: research and development to inform K-12 science education standards.