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
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
Special Alert! In an effort to ensure accessibility for all, some resources from this page have been temporarily removed until an accessible copy can be posted. If there is a specific resource you are looking for, contact the staff listed within this section.