Standard Course of Study & Supporting Resources

K-12 Science Standards Documents

View and sort K-12 Science Standards and supporting documents including: the Science Standard Course of Study, Unpacking, Glossary, and the Science Standards Crosswalk, etc.

K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub

The NC K-12 Science Standards Resource Hub is a repository to provide all Science stakeholders a variety of resources for supporting school leaders, administrators, educators, and parents/caregivers. In addition to the 2023 K-12 Science Standards Support Documents, the Hub houses other resources such as the standards, crosswalks, communications, and other recommended resources related to the implementation of the North Carolina K-12 Science Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS). Science educators are encouraged to browse, reference, download, share, discuss, and adapt resources. 

K-12 Science Additional Resources

Tab/Accordion Items

2023 K-12 Science Standards Strands

Physical Science

Earth Science

Life Science

The Formative Assessment Probe Alignment Guide is a K-12 resource that aligns the NC Science Standards with the National Science Teaching Association’s Uncovering Student Ideas series,  a collection of research-based formative assessment probes written by Page Keeley.  Each volume of probes contains  easy-to-follow steps for uncovering and addressing students’ ideas by promoting learning through conceptual change instruction. Probes cover topics such as physical, life, and Earth and space science; the nature of science; and unifying themes. These books include teacher materials that explain content, address common misconceptions, and suggest grade-appropriate ways to present materials so students learn the concepts accurately. The formative assessment probes (books or digital copies)  can be purchased from NSTA through their website.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The Awards were established by Congress in 1983. The President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

For more information, please visit the NCDPI PAEMST webpage.

To identify and recognize exemplary STEM Schools and STEM Programs, the STEM Schools of Distinction recognition program was developed. This program provides a standard definition of quality STEM implementation using the STEM School Progress Rubric as the framework and backbone of the application process for implementing the 5 Overarching STEM Principles. Schools have an opportunity to submit an application providing narrative and artifactual evidence of their schools' distinguished STEM approaches to leading and learning. 

For more information visit STEM Schools of Distinction.

Supporting Multilingual Learners

Stakeholders have different areas of expertise and are often responsible for different aspects of educational planning and delivery; however, collectively, they are responsible for the success of Multilingual Learners. Each teacher can contribute to deliver coordinated educational experiences for Multilingual Learners according to their own qualifications and areas of expertise (WIDA 2020). To aid content area educators in supporting Multilingual Learners, please visit the NCDPI ESL/Title III Team’s ELD Standards Resource Hub.

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