How have U.S. eighth graders' science skills changed since the pandemic?

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the percentage of eighth graders scoring at the proficient level in science has dropped from 33% in 2019 to just 29% as of the latest test.

What impact has the pandemic had on U.S. students' interest in science?

The share of eighth graders saying they enjoy science activities has plummeted from 52% to 42%, raising concerns that waning interest will make it harder for them to learn science.

How have U.S. eighth graders' science skills compared to before the pandemic?

The average science score for eighth graders has fallen back to levels last seen in 2009, when a new version of the NAEP test was introduced, indicating a significant decline in their science readiness.

Home / Education / Pandemic Derails U.S. Eighth Graders' Science Readiness

Pandemic Derails U.S. Eighth Graders' Science Readiness

9 Sep

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Summary

Science proficiency drops from 33% to 29% since 2019
Student confidence in science-related activities declines from 34% to 28%
Widespread declines across physical, life, and earth/space sciences

Pandemic Derails U.S. Eighth Graders' Science Readiness

According to a recent nationwide assessment, U.S. eighth graders are significantly less prepared to be the scientists of tomorrow compared to before the pandemic. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found that the percentage of students scoring at the proficient level in science has dropped from 33% in 2019 to just 29% as of the latest test.

The average science score has also fallen back to levels last seen in 2009, when a new version of the test was introduced. Students' confidence in their science abilities has slipped as well, with only 28% now saying they "definitely can do various science-related activities," down from 34% previously.

The declines were widespread, affecting students across physical, life, and earth and space sciences. For example, less than half of students can now identify the major component of living cells, compared to 55% in 2019. The percentage who can identify a characteristic of mammals also dropped from 72% to 68%.

Experts are particularly concerned about the dramatic decrease in students' interest and engagement with science. The share saying they enjoy science activities plummeted from 52% to just 42%. As one education leader noted, "If you're not interested, it's hard to learn."

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