STE Research

This page contains links to research informing DESE's vision for PK–12 science instruction.

A Vision for Science Instruction

The 2012 Framework for K-12 Science Education summarizes contemporary research on science education and informs the overall vision and implementation of the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

High-Quality Curricular Materials

Curricular materials have a notable impact on student science learning.

• Achieve has published a review of the importance of high-quality, standards aligned curricular materials.
• TNTP has also produced research on the importance of grade-level work for all students.

Elementary Science Advocacy

A robust science education begins in early elementary school.

• NSTA and STEM Teaching Tools — the case for elementary school science
• Science and Engineering in Preschool Through Elementary Grades — an overview of what strong science instruction can look like in classrooms.
• Teach Science and Literacy Together — Professor Nell Duke on the link between science and literacy outcomes

Middle and High School Science

New high-quality curricula may look substantially different from traditional science teaching. Previous standards focused on coverage of discrete content items over the course of the year.

• The Value of Depth Over Breadth — why it is better to focus on fewer topics in depth
• Phenomena-driven instruction — research supporting the use of phenomena to drive meaning and coherence for students

Last Updated: May 18, 2023