Elementary Science
Science & Technology/Engineering Standards 2016
Grades 3-5 Know Atom Science
Science and Technology/Engineering Education for All Students: The Vision
Our world has never been so complex, and scientific and technological reasoning have never been so
necessary to make sense of it all. It is self-evident that science, technology, and engineering (STE) are
central to the lives of all Massachusetts citizens when they analyze current events, make informed
decisions about healthcare, or decide to support public development of community infrastructure. By
the end of grade 12, all students must have an appreciation for the wonder of science, possess sufficient
knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on related issues, and be careful
consumers of scientific and technological information and products in their everyday lives. Students’ STE
experience should encourage and facilitate engagement in STE to prepare them for the reality that most
careers require some scientific or technical preparation, and to increase their interest in and
consideration of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). All students,
regardless of their future education plan and career path, must have an engaging, relevant, rigorous,
and coherent pre-K–12 STE education to be prepared for citizenship, continuing education, and careers.