Skip to main content

Arizona Department of Education Facebook Page

Arizona Department of Education LinkedIn Page

Arizona Department of Education Instagram

Arizona Department of Education Twitter

Arizona Department of Education YouTube

mobile menu
Arizona Department of Education Homepage
  • Home
  • Parents
    • Parents & Families
    • Arizona Purple Star School Program
    • Early Childhood & Preschool
    • Empowerment Scholarship Account
    • Military Career Information
    • School Report Cards
    • Transcripts & Test Scores
    • U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program
  • Educators & Administrators
    • Academic Standards
    • Accountability
    • Assessment
    • Business & Finance >
      • School Finance
      • State & Federal Grants
      • School Safety
    • Certification & Leadership >
      • Certification & Career
      • Educator Recruitment & Retention
      • Effective Teachers & Leaders (Trainings)
      • Training & Professional Development
    • Post-Secondary Resources
    • Support & Improvement >
      • School Improvement
      • School Support
  • Programs
    • Academic Achievement >
      • Academic Achievement
      • Afterschool & 21st Century Learning Centers
      • Character Education
      • English Learners | OELAS & Migrant Education Program
      • Homeless, Foster Care, & Refugee Programs
      • Title I
    • Adult Education
    • Arizona Purple Star School Program
    • Career & Technical Education
    • Educator Leadership >
      • Charter School Program
      • Effective Teachers & Leaders
      • School Safety
      • School Safety Program
    • Gifted/Advanced Learning >
      • Gifted/Advanced Learning
      • College Credit by Examination
      • Dual Enrollment
      • Gifted Education
    • Health & Nutrition Services
    • Office of Indian Education
    • Special Education
  • About ADE
    • About the Department
    • Accounting & Procurement
    • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • News Releases
    • State Board of Education
    • State Board for Charter Schools
    • Submit a Complaint
  • Data & Systems
    • Arizona Digital Educators Library (ADEL)
    • Data Governance
    • Information Technology
    • PAASport
    • Public Educator Search
    • School & Student Data
    • School Report Cards
    • Teacher Input Application (TIA)
  • ADEConnect
    • ADEConnect
    • Common Logon
  • Search
  • Home
  • K-12 Academic Standards
  • Standards: Science Standards

Standards: Science Standards

Arizona Science Standards

(Adopted October 2018)

 

QUICK links

Science & STEM Resources   Professional Learning   Science Mailing List   STEM Mailing List

WhiteLine.png

Decorative Image

New Logoone3.png

Science and S.T.E.M. Resources

WhiteLine.png

Decorative Image

New Logoone4.png

Professional Development for Science and S.T.E.M.

WhiteLine.png

Decorative Image

New Logoone2.png

Science and S.T.E.M. Mailing List

WhiteLine.png

Decorative Image

New Logoone.png

Science Mailing List

 

WhiteLine.png

Decorative Image

 


PAASport-Icon_with-Seal.png

PAASport-Icon_with-Seal.png

Access PAASport

Look for the word CASE next to each of our Word and PDF files. The Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange is the framework that allows for the navigation and integration of Arizona Academic Standards.

 

 

Science and STEM Self-Paced Online Courses

Complete K-12 Standards Document | PDF | CASE 

 

  • Kindergarten-Second Grade PDF | Word | CASE (Update 12.22.21)

    • Kindergarten Standards Placemat

    • First Grade Standards Placemat

    • Second Grade Standards Placemat

    • K-2 Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts Placemat 

  • Third Grade-Fifth Grade PDF | Word | CASE (Update 12.22.21)

    • Third-Grade Standards Placemat

    • Fourth Grade Standards Placemat

    • Fifth Grade Standards Placemat

    • 3-5 Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts Placemat 

  • Sixth Grade-Eighth Grade PDF | Word | CASE (Update 12.22.21)

    • Sixth Grade Standards Placemat

    • Seventh Grade Standards Placemat

    • Eighth Grade Standards Placemat

    • 6-8 Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts Placemat 

  • High School  PDF | Word | CASE (Update 12.22.21)

    • HS Essential Standards Placemat

    • HS Physical Standards Placemat

    • HS Earth & Space Standards Placemat

    • HS Life Standards Placemat

    • 9-12 Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts Placemat

  • Research Used to Develop the 2018 Arizona Science Standards: Framework for K-12 Science Education | Working with Big Ideas of Science Education

STANDARDS SUPPORT MATERIALS

  • *New* State of Science - This District Planning Tool is a resource that supports districts, schools, and educators in setting goals and prioritizing needs by identifying strengths and growth opportunities.

  • ADE Guidance for Evaluating High-Quality Instructional Science Materials Resource Page | Video - Looking for guidance when evaluating high-quality science instructional materials? Use this helpful tool, which is full of resources to help educators and district leaders understand how the Arizona Science Standards compare to the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as tools for evaluating instructional materials. For a quick review of this tool, watch the short video that accompanies it! Also, here is a useful resource that provides additional guidance: STEM Teaching Tool #23:Evaluating Curriculum Materials for Alignment with the New Vision for K-12 Science Education.

  • Complete Set of K-12 Planning Summaries that Compare the AzSS to NGSS - This document can help you understand how our Arizona Science Standards (AzSS) are correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

    • Planning Summaries by Grade Level:

      • Kindergarten | First Grade | Second Grade Third Grade | Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade |  Sixth Grade | Seventh Grade | Eighth Grade |  High School

  • Designing Phenomena-Based Instruction - A simple flowchart designed to explain how to begin designing phenomena-based instruction.

  • AzSS 3-Dimensional Snapshot for Educators & Administrators - A fantastic tool to help educators & administrators take a quick look at our 3-dimensional science standards.

.

A-framework-snapshot.png

A Framework for K-12 Science Instruction’s 3 Dimensions and AzSS Using Science

AzSS 3-Dimensional Snapshot for Educators & Administrators

A-framework-snapshot.png

A Framework for K-12 Science Instruction’s 3 Dimensions and AzSS Using Science
  • Guidance for Administrators- What to Look For in a 3-Dimensional Science Classroom PD Video |  PDF | Resource Page - A webinar for Administrators to help support educators with the transition to the 2018 Science Standards.

  • *New* State of Science - This District Planning Tool is a resource that supports districts, schools, and educators in setting goals and prioritizing needs by identifying strengths and growth opportunities.

  • Instructional Shifts: A New Vision for Science Education- This document demonstrates what science education will be involved less of, and more of when shifting to 3-dimensional standards.

  • Look Fors for Administrators - A great tool for administrators and educators that indicates the three "look for" in a 3-Dimensional Science Classroom.

  • STEM Teaching Tool 4- Are there multiple instructional models that fit with the science and engineering practices in NGSS? (Short answer: Yes.)

  • STEM Teaching Tool 21- What school building administrators should know about the new vision for K-12 science education.

  • STEM Teaching Tool 46- How to define meaningful daily learning objectives for science investigations.

  • STEM Teaching Tool 32 - Why focus on science and engineering practices--and not "inquiry?" Why is "the scientific method" mistaken?

Arizona Science Standards

  • *NEW* Complete Set of K-12 Progression Matrix of Elements for the 3-Dimensions of the Arizona Science Standards- Core Ideas, Science & Engineering Practices, & Crosscutting Concepts- This document combines all three matrixes of elements for the 3-dimensions. An essential tool for planning 3-D instruction. View this short video for information about how to read and use this document.

  • Vertical Progression of Core Ideas- This document showcases the vertical progressions from K-12 for each Core Idea of Knowing Science. An essential tool for planning 3-D instruction.

  • K-12 Crosscutting Concepts Progression Matrix of Elements- This document describes the "elements," or specific pieces of knowledge and skill that make up the practice at each grade band, for the Crosscutting Concepts. An essential tool for planning 3-D instruction.

  • K-12 Science and Engineering Practices Progression Matrix of Elements- This document describes the "elements," or specific pieces of knowledge and skill that make up the practice at each grade band, for the Science & Engineering Practices. An essential tool for planning 3-D instruction.

Distribution of Core Ideas of Knowing Science Across Grade Levels (pdf) - This document illustrates how the Core Ideas of Knowing Science spiral throughout K-12. 

Click on the image below to view a PDF version of the Distribution of Core Ideas of Knowing Science across All Grade Levels.

Distribution of Core Ideas Preview image.png

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduation Requirements     Timeline Science Standards.pdf

 

Transitional Implementation Plan 

sciompletwo.png

Science Standards Transitional Implementation Plan 2018

Revision and Tentative Implementation

Assessment transition image.png

Science standards and assessment transition and implementation

 

 

 

  

 

  • Disciplinary Literacy in Grades K-2
  • Disciplinary Literacy in Grades 3-5
  • Disciplinary Literacy in Grades 6-8
  • Disciplinary Literacy in Grades 9-12

     PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 

    • Science Resources

    • Science Professional Development

    • Tucson Regional Educator Collaborative (TREC) - Explore PD opportunities across Arizona for all subjects.

    Webinars

    Each recorded webinar has a link to the video of the live webinar session, a PDF of the presentation slides, and the resource page used during the webinar. 

    Pathway #1

    New to 3-Dimensional Instruction? START HERE! Introduction to the AzSS & 3-Dimensional Instruction

    • A Look at Arizona's New Science Standards Video | PDF | Resource Page | *NEW* Online Course for PD Credit

    • Crosscutting Concepts: 1 of the 3 Dimensions of the AZ Science Standards Video | PDF | Resource Page | *NEW* Online Course for PD Credit

    • Science and Engineering Practices: 1 of the 3 Dimensions of the AZ Science Standards Video | PDF | Resource Page |  *NEW* Online Course for PD Credit

    • Core Ideas: 1 of the 3 Dimensions of the AZ Science Standards Video | PDF | Resource Page | *NEW*Online Course for PD Credit

    • Phenomenon-Based 3-Dimensional Instruction Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • SEPs, CCCs, and Core Ideas: Putting the 3-Dimensions Together Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • *NEW* Guidance for Administrators- What to Look For in a 3-Dimensional Science Classroom PD Video |  PDF | Resource Page 

    Pathway #2

    Confident in your understanding of webinar content in Pathway 1? Go here next! Instructional Practices to Support 3-Dimensional Teaching & Learning

    • Transforming Science Learning: Engaging Students in the Science & Engineering Practices Using Digital Tools Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • 5-E Instructional Model and Science Notebooks Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • Constructing Explanations and Arguing from Evidence using Claims, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • SEP Asking Questions: Students Drive Instruction with Driving Question Boards! Video| PDF | Resource Page

    • Engaging Students in Developing & Using Models Using Digital Tools (w/a GRC Lesson) Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • Engaging Students in 3-Dimensional Science Investigations using a Gather, Reason, Communicate (GRC) Lesson-Middle School Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • *NEW* CER or ERC? Constructing Explanations & Arguing from Evidence for 6-12 Science Educators Video | PDF | Resource Page

    • *NEW* Effective Discourse Strategies for Creating Inclusive STEM Classrooms | PDF | Resource Page

    Pathway #3

    Confident in your understanding of webinar content in pathways 1 & 2? Go here next! Summative & Formative Assessment and Performance Tasks

    • What Secondary Science Educators Need to Know About Performance Tasks Video | PDF | Resource Page |  *NEW* Online Course for PD Credit

    • What Elementary Science Educators Need to Know About Performance Tasks Video | PDF | Resource Page |  *NEW*Online Course for PD Credit

    Science Standards Videos

    • Science Standards Overview Video (11:02)- General overview of the standards.

    • Shift in Science Education Video (8:35)- The focus of this video is on the shifts in instruction.

    • Arizona Science Standards (AzSS) vs. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Part I- (14:29) Need a little support with understanding how our Arizona Science Standards (AzSS) are the same or different than the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? Watch this two-part short video series. Part I compares the basics of each set of standards.

    • Arizona Science Standards (AzSS) vs. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Part 2- (12:57) Need a little support with understanding how our Arizona Science Standards (AzSS) are the same or different than the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? Watch this two-part short video series. Part II reviews how to compare an AzSS standard to an NGSS standard with a step-by-step approach.

    Click to access AzSCI assessment website

    Click to view archived newsletters

     

     


    **The views and opinions expressed in any third-party resource do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and do not imply an endorsement by ADE.

    For an accessibility version of documents please contact the  Academic Standards unit.

    • Academic Standards Overview
    • Academic Standards
      • Arts Standards
      • Computer Science
      • Educational Technology
      • English Language Arts
      • Health Standards
      • History and Social Science
      • Mathematics
      • Physical Ed. Standards
      • Science
      • World and Native Languages
    • Diploma Seals Information
    • Early Childhood Education
      • ECE Professional Learning
      • Family Engagement
      • Kindergarten
      • Head Start
      • Preschool
      • Publications & Manuals
    • Literacy
      • Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant​
      • Dyslexia
      • Early Literacy Grant
      • K-5 Literacy Endorsement
      • Literacy Professional Learning
      • Move On When Reading
      • Secondary Literacy (Middle and HS)
      • Science of Reading
    • Additional Programs and Resources
      • Balanced Assessment Resources
      • Diploma Seals
      • Formative Assessment Resources
      • Get SET for STEM
      • Holocaust and Genocide
    • PAEMST (Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching)
    • Grants
      • Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant​
      • Computer Science Professional Development Grant
      • Early Literacy Grant
      • State Tutoring Grant
      • Foundational Literacy Coaching Grant
      • Welcome to Get SET for STEM!
    • Professional Learning and Events
      • ADE Calendar of Events
      • Professional Development
    • Connected Programs
      • Assessment
      • Career & Technical Education
      • Certification
      • Exceptional Student Services
      • Teacher Recruitment and Retention
      • Title IV-A
      • Well Rounded Education
    • High School Graduation Information
      • Diploma Seals
      • Graduation Requirements
    • Standard Resources
      • Computer Science Resources
      • Ed. Tech. Resources
      • ELA Resources
      • Math Resources
      • Physical Education Resources
      • Science and STEM Resources
      • Social Studies Resources
      • World and Native Languages Resources
    • Reach out to us for support!
    Contact
    • Academic Standards Front Desk
    • (602) 364-2333
    • [email protected]
    • Contact the Department
    • Click the subscribe button below to receive content area updates
    • Subscribe
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Privacy Policy
    • School Report Cards
    • State Board of Education
    • State Board for Charter Schools
    • Web Accessibility

    © 2025 Arizona Department of Education

    • Statewide Policies
    • Site Map