Explore Results for the 2024 NAEP Science Assessment
Lower average science score for eighth-graders in 2024 than in 2019
In 2024, the average science score at eighth grade was 4 points lower compared to 2019 and not significantly different than in 2009, the start of a new trendline marking the first administration of the assessment based on a new science framework. NAEP scores are also reported at five selected percentiles to show score trends for lower- (10th and 25th percentiles), middle- (50th percentile), and higher- (75th and 90th percentiles) performing students. Scores in 2024 decreased at all five selected percentiles compared to 2019.
Please note that reported differences between scores or between percentages are discussed only when they are statistically significant differences (for example, "higher/lower" or "increase/decrease").
The chart below shows the trends in average score and scores for lower- and higher-performing students. Explore detailed average score results and results for all five selected percentiles on the National Trends and Student Skills page.
Figure Average and selected percentile scores in NAEP science for eighth-grade students: Various years, 2009‒2024
Key Findings
Key findings from the 2024 grade 8 science assessment are provided below. Click the links below to explore the full set of performance results as well as information about students’ educational opportunities.
In addition to an overall average science scale score, results are also reported as average scale scores for three content areas—Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Sciences. The content area scale scores are developed independently and therefore cannot be compared to one another or to the overall science score.
Decline in average scores and scores for middle- and lower-performing students in all three science content areas compared to 2019
Lower percentage of eighth-graders at or above NAEP Proficient and higher percentage below NAEP Basic in science compared to 2019
NAEP achievement levels at grade 8 are performance standards that represent what students should know and be able to do. Results are reported as percentages of students performing at or above three achievement levels (NAEP Basic, NAEP Proficient, and NAEP Advanced). In 2018, the National Assessment Governing Board issued a revised policy statement clarifying that the NAEP Proficient level is not intended to reflect grade-level performance expectations but is specific to performance on NAEP assessments.
Examples of science knowledge and skills eighth-grade students are likely able to demonstrate in Life Science:
- At the NAEP Basic level, students likely can demonstrate that reproduction is an essential part of population survival.
- At the NAEP Proficient level, students likely can describe the function of body systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive).
- At the NAEP Advanced level, students likely can use the structures of organisms to identify specific adaptations of organisms and infer how these adaptations help organisms to survive.
Please note, NAEP achievement levels are to be used on a trial basis and should be interpreted and used with caution. Learn more about NAEP achievement levels.
Most student groups with average science score declines had declines at the 25th percentile; some groups also scored lower at the 75th percentile compared to 2019
Decrease in the percentage of eighth-grade students with high levels of confidence in science compared to 2019
Students with a high level of confidence in their science knowledge and skills reported they probably or definitely can do various science-related activities such as designing an experiment to show how sunlight affects plant growth or identifying a tool used to measure wind speed.
Other NAEP Resources
Several additional resources are available via the “Details” links below to explore NAEP data and perform customized analyses of student performance. Visit the Experiences and Opportunities in Education Dashboard for NAEP survey questionnaire results related to learning recovery. Visit the NAEP Questions Tool to access over 3,000 released questions from NAEP assessments in a variety of subject areas. Visit the NAEP Data Explorer to conduct more in-depth exploration of NAEP results.
Experiences and Opportunities in Education Dashboard
NAEP Questions Tool
NAEP Data Explorer
About the science assessment
The NAEP science assessment measures students’ knowledge of the natural world, their understanding of concepts, principles, laws, and theories of science and their ability to engage in scientific inquiry in real-world contexts.
- The NAEP science assessment framework specifies the science content assessed at grade 8. The 2024 NAEP science assessment used the same framework as the one used for the 2019, 2015, 2011, and 2009 assessments. The assessment measures three content areas—Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Sciences. In addition to an overall average scale score, results are also reported as average scale scores for each content area. Because the content area scale scores are developed independently, content area scores cannot be compared to one another or to the overall score. The assessment also measures four science practices—Identifying Science Principles, Using Science Principles, Using Scientific Inquiry, and Using Technological Design—that assess students’ ability to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and skills in each of the three content areas.
- The assessment included selected-response and constructed-response questions. Selected-response question formats include single- and multiple-selection multiple choice, inline choice, zone, matching, and interactive questions. Short constructed-response questions require students to write a brief response that, for example, explains the solution to a problem. Extended constructed-response questions have more parts for students to answer, requiring students to provide more than a single response or short verbal communication.
Table Assessment design and administration information for the NAEP science assessment at grade 8: 2024
- Assessment period
- January to March 2024
- Number of students assessed
- 23,000
- Number of schools assessed
- 600
- Cognitive testing time
- 60 minutes
- Reported results
- Based on student performance on either Microsoft Surface Pro tablets or Chromebooks
- Survey questionnaires
- Administered to students, teachers, and school administrators
The Story of NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a continuing and nationally representative measure of trends in academic achievement of U.S. elementary and secondary students in various subjects. It was first administered in 1969 to measure student achievement nationally. Teachers, principals, parents, policymakers, and researchers all use NAEP results to assess progress and develop ways to improve education in the United States.
In 2024, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) administered the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science assessment to a nationally representative sample of eighth-grade students. The assessment measured students’ science knowledge as well as their ability to engage in scientific inquiry and to conduct scientific investigations in real-world contexts. Students also answered survey questions about their opportunities to learn about and engage in science inside and outside of school.