Science

Understanding the Science Standards

• How to read the standards (docx)
• Teacher Primer for the Science Standards for Alaska (docx)
• Incorporating Phenomena in Developing Learning Activities (docx)

• Connections to other subjects (docx)
• Science Standards for Alaska (SSA) to Alaska ELA/Math Standards Connections

• Performance Expectations - PE (docx)
• Science and Engineering Practices - SEP (docx)
• Matrix of Science and Engineering Practices (pdf)
• Disciplinary Core Ideas - DCI (docx)
• Matrix of Disciplinary Core Ideas (pdf)
• Crosscutting Concepts - CCC (docx)
• Matrix of Crosscutting Concepts (pdf)
• Matrix of Connections to the Nature of Science (pdf)
• Matrix of Connections to Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science (pdf)

Introduction to Standards Webinar Series

• Introductory Webinar, January 27 – slide deck pdf, slide deck pptx, recording
• Grades K-2 Webinar, February 3 – slide deck pdf, slide deck pptx, recording
• Grades 3-5 Webinar, February 10 – slide deck pdf, slide deck pptx, recording
• Grades 6-8 Webinar, February 5 – slide deck pdf, slide deck pptx, recording
• Grades 9-12 Webinar, February 12 – slide deck pdf, slide deck pptx, recording

Teacher Tools & Resources

• Alaska-Based Science Lessons and Resources

• National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
• Alaska Science Teachers Association (ASTA)
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (currently suspended 2025-2026)

• Supporting Science Classroom Discussions Article and Class Handouts
• Supporting Science Classroom Discussions with Grade Level Handouts and in Spanish

• SIPS: science curriculum for 5th-8th grade
• Introductory Presentation on SIPS-CASCIA Science Curriculum –  slide deck pdf, recording

Assessments and Achievement Level Descriptors

The Alaska Science Assessment is administered to students in grades 5, 8, and 10.

Not all standards will appear on the Alaska Science Assessment. The Science Standards for Alaska that are to be locally assessed in each grade band are defined here: PDF and Excel Spreadsheet (XLS)

• Achievement Level Descriptors Flyer
• Grade 5 Achievement Level Descriptors
• Grade 8 Achievement Level Descriptors
• Grade 10 Achievement Level Descriptors

• Test Design and Blueprints for Alaska Science Assessments
• Alaska Science Item Types

• Helping students prepare for the Alaska Science Assessment

Resources to Support Science in Elementary

• Elementary Instructional Planning Guide (NE DE)
• Elementary Schedule Guidance Fact Sheet (KA SDE)
• Alaska Science of Reading Symposium: Wexler
• Alaska Science of Reading Symposium: Scientific Literacy
• Speaking up for Science and Social Studies: Nell Duke

District Curriculum Adoption Support Documents

• Science Curriculum Adoption Guide (NE DE)

• NSTA Article: Choosing HQIM science materials
• NGSS Alignment Claims: How Publishers Talk About the Next Generation Science Standards
• Framework for Leading Next Generation Science Standards Implementation

• EQuIP Rubric for Science
• PEEC Primary Evaluation of Essential Criteria (PEEC) for Next Generation Science Standards Instructional Materials Design
• NextGen TIME rubrics for materials evaluation
• Ohio Rubic for choosing Curriculum (OH DE)
• Next Generation Science Standards District Implementation Workbook

• EdReports Science Curriculum Reports
• NGSS Badge Units
• Approved HQIM Science Curriculum for LA (LA DE)

Alaska Native Cultural Resources

• Culturally Based Curriculum Resources (Alaska Native Knowledge Network)
• Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools (Alaska Native Knowledge Network)

ELL Support

• ELD Standards (AK DEED / WIDA)
• English Language Proficiency Assessment (WIDA)
• Reading with Multilingual Learners (WIDA)