The Georgia Science standards are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills for all students to develop proficiency in science. The Project 2061’s Benchmarks for Science Literacy and the follow up work, A Framework for K-12 Science Education were used as the core of the standards to determine appropriate content and process skills for students. The standards focus on a limited number of core disciplinary ideas and crosscutting concepts which build from Kindergarten to high school.

The Science Georgia Standards of Excellence drive instruction. Hands-on, student-centered, and inquiry-based approaches should be the emphasis of instruction. The standards are a required minimum set of expectations that show proficiency in science.

New Updates

• Supporting the Science and Engineering Practices​: this document provides ideas, explanations, and supports for the science practices.
  
• Supporting the Crosscutting Concepts: this document provides supports and suggestions for how students can interact with the crosscutting concepts.
  
• As you prepare to support and engage students in summer school, extended days, and the next school year, explore our newest resource: Guide for Effective Science Instruction for All Students​. This document is designed to help teachers meet the needs of all students in the science classroom by providing information on effective instructional practices, examples of formative assessments, progressions of the GSE from kindergarten through high school, and more.
  
• ​​​​​​Integrated Instructional Supports for All Students​ is resources curated and developed by Curriculum and Instruction Content Integration Specialists (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies).  They work with ​our Special Education Services and Supports to inform and coordinate efforts as we strive to educate the Whole Child​. 

Rules and ​Guidance

​Graduation Rule

• SBOE Rule 160-4-2-.48 High School Graduation Requirements for Students Enrolling in the Ninth Grade for First Time in the 2008-09 School Year and Subsequent Years
• 2020 - 2021 Fourth Science Options
  
• 2021 - 2022 Fourth Science Options​

​Official List of State Funded Courses for 2022-2023

• State-Funded Courses-SBOE Rule 160-4-2-20 Updated 4​/5/2022
• ​​Summary of Changes Li​st of State-Funded Courses Updated 4/5​/2022​

• Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science
• Frequently Asked Questions - Science GSE​
  

Professional Learning

• GaDOE has launched a new innovative platform to provide the opportunity for science teachers, leaders and GaDOE staff to collaborate, connect and share thoughts and resources. ​Meet the wonderful virtual specialists​ from around the state that we are working with to lead groups. See our GaDOE community flyer​ for steps on how to get started. We look forward to connecting!​​
• Please visit this link to access the catalog of upcoming and pre-recorded Professional Learning Opportunities.
• Need Professional Learning Community resources? See the PLC Science in 3D for 10 guided discussions that can be used throughout the year to learn more about the structure, background and intended outcomes of the GSE.
• To join a science email list to receive updates and newsletters from the science program, please send a blank email to one or more of the following email addresses below: ​

Science K-5:

join-science-k-5@list.doe.k12.ga.us​

Science 6-8:

join-science-6-8@list.doe.k12.ga.us

Science 9-12:

join-science-9-12@list.doe.k12.ga.us

Resources

​Instructional Resources

The purchase and use of instructional resources and materials are decisions made at the local school district and/or school levels. The Department of Education provides many instructional resources that are aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE).  Resources for teachers can be found here: