8th-graders don't know much science -- and they don't care

Don't expect U.S. eighth-graders to be "the scientists of tomorrow," writes Linda Jacobson on The 74. Only 29 percent are proficient in science, down from 33 percent in 2019, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Fewer said they enjoy science activities or are interested in what they learn in science class.

"Performance fell across all three categories — physical, life, and earth and space sciences," she reports. "Less than half of students can identify the major component of living cells, compared to 55% in 2019, and the percentage of students who can identify a characteristic of mammals declined from 72% to 68%."

Compared to 2019, before the pandemic disrupted schooling, fewer students said they conduct experiments, discuss scientific ideas or design research questions. When schools were closed, some teachers asked families to do "kitchen chemistry." Most students did very little.

Many students don't read well enough to understand science texts, says Autumn Rivera, a sixth-grade science teacher in Colorado. “I’m having to take a step back and really focus on basic reading."

Poor basic math skills are also hindering students’ progress in science, said Christine Cunningham, who designs STEM curriculum materials and serves on the National Assessment Governing Board. “Teachers are spending more time making sure that the kids are prepared to do some of the things that in the past they may have assumed kids would come equipped to do,” she said. “Could they make a table? Could they make a graph?”

On all NAEP's survey questions, motivation is down. Fewer students think it's important to do well on science assignments or that making an effort in class is worthwhile or that understanding science is helpful.