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​Science-Standards.pngWelcome to the Illinois State Board of Education's Science Learning Standards webpage! We are dedicated to equipping science teachers with the essential resources and support needed to cultivate a dynamic and innovative learning environment for their students. Our commitment extends to offering instructional materials, comprehensive resources, and professional learning opportunities. We want to support teachers to help them design engaging science experiences that not only meet rigorous academic standards but also ignite a lifelong passion for discovery and exploration in their students.

Illinois Learning Standards for Science​​

​Important Announcement

The ISBE Science Professional Development Committee invites you to take a few minutes to complete a brief needs assessment survey​ to better understand your professional learning needs.

Your input is essential. By sharing your perspectives, you’ll help us focus our energy on enhancing science knowledge and instructional practices that directly support educators and district leaders — ultimately improving outcomes for students across Illinois.

Why participate?

  • Influence future science PD offerings.
  • Ensure training is relevant and impactful.
  • Help build a stronger science education community statewide.

Thank you for your commitment to science education and for helping us better serve Illinois educators and students.​

Understanding the Science Standards

The Illinois Learning Standards for Science are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which integrate content knowledge with the common practices of scientists and engineers. A distinctive feature of the NGSS is their three-dimensional learning approach, which intertwines Disciplinary Core Ideas (content knowledge across the domains of Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design), Science and Engineering Practices (what scientists and engineers do to investigate and design solutions), and Crosscutting Concepts (themes that bridge disciplinary boundaries and help students see patterns and connections).

This approach aims to make science education more coherent and meaningful, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and skills in varied contexts and preparing them for college, careers, and citizenship.

Science Resources

  • Illinois Science Teaching Association
    The Illinois Science Teaching Association (ISTA) is a membership-based professional organization dedicated to providing Illinois science teachers with learning tools, conferences, and professional development opportunities to hone their craft and use best practices when teaching the Next Generation Science Standards.
  • National Science Teaching Association
    The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is the national professional organization for science educators. NSTA provides resources to preservice teachers as well as veteran teachers through instructional materials, professional learning units and courses, and as well as national conferences for networking.
  • OpenSciEd
    OpenSciEd is an organization that provides free NGSS-aligned science materials and PD for educators to foster authentic learning and inquiry in their classrooms.
  • DoIT STEAM Resources
    The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) offers resources that pertain to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). It is an educational approach that breaks the traditional barriers between subjects and promotes a more integrated learning experience. It helps students to see the interconnectedness of a topic and apply knowledge from multiple areas to solve problems. Including the arts enables STEAM education to emphasize creativity and design thinking more than the traditional STEM approach. This encourages students to think outside the box, develop innovative solutions, and express their ideas visually or through other creative means.
  • IL Climate Education Hub
    The IL Climate Education hub originated in 2023 as a partnership between SubjectToClimate and IL organizations. In 2024, Illinois passed HB 4895, requiring public schools to teach climate change by 2026-2027 - a milestone driven by student advocates but left unfunded. To fill this gap, these partners created the Hub as a central space to equip teachers and students with the tools they need. Guided by a teacher-led committee, the Hub reflects the diverse needs of Illinois educators and supports bringing climate learning into classrooms statewide.

Professional Development

Professional development is essential for educators to continue building their knowledge and developing their instructional skills in science. Teachers who participate in professional development gain access to innovative teaching strategies, hands-on learning experiences, and a network of resources that support effective science education. This continuous professional growth ensures that educators can inspire and engage their students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of science in the classroom.

ISBE has partnered with Regional Office of Education 47 to provide free professional development to science educators.

ISBE has partnered with NSTA as well as Regional Office of Education 47 to provide free professional development to science educators.

Search for your own PD using the PD+ portal found on your ELIS page. Use the PD+ Educator User Guide to gain access.

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