Looking Beneath the Surface
What we can learn from the
Minnesota TIMSS Science
Results
William H. Schmidt
Michigan State University
2007 Grade 4 Mathematics
Nation
Nation
Hong Kong SAR
Singapore
Chinese Taipei
Massachusetts, US
Japan
Mean
607
599
576
572
568
Nation
Minnesota, US
Kazakhstan
Russian Federation
England
Mean
554
549
544
541
Significantly Higher than MN
Not Significantly Different from MN
Significantly Lower than MN
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Mean
Latvia
Netherlands
Lithuania
537
535
530
United States
529
Germany
Denmark
Australia
Hungary
Italy
Austria
Sweden
Slovenia
Armenia
Slovak Republic
Scotland
New Zealand
Czech Republic
Norway
Ukraine
Georgia
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
Algeria
Colombia
Morocco
El Salvador
Tunisia
Kuwait
Qatar
Yemen
525
523
516
510
507
505
503
502
500
496
494
492
486
473
469
438
402
378
355
341
330
327
316
296
224
Michigan State University
2007 Grade 8 Mathematics
Nation
Nation
Chinese Taipei
Korea, Rep. of
Singapore
Hong Kong SAR
Japan
Massachusetts, US
Nation
Minnesota, US
Mean
598
597
593
572
570
547
Mean
532
Significantly Higher than MN
Not Significantly Different from MN
Significantly Lower than MN
Mean
Hungary
England
Russian Federation
517
513
512
United States
508
Lithuania
Czech Republic
Slovenia
Armenia
Australia
Sweden
Malta
Scotland
Serbia
Italy
Malaysia
Norway
Cyprus
Bulgaria
Israel
Ukraine
Romania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lebanon
Thailand
Turkey
Jordan
Tunisia
Georgia
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
506
504
501
499
496
491
488
487
486
480
474
469
465
464
463
462
461
456
449
441
432
427
420
410
403
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Nation
Bahrain
Indonesia
Syrian Arab Republic
Greece
Romania
Lithuania
Colombia
Oman
Palestinian Nat'l Auth.
Botswana
Kuwait
El Salvador
Saudi Arabia
Ghana
Qatar
Michigan State University
Mean
398
397
395
391
387
381
380
372
367
364
354
340
329
309
307
Grade 8 Mathematics Mean
Teaching Emphasis
2007 TIMSS GRADE
8 MATHEMATICS TEST EMPHASIS
1995
2007 TIMSS
TEST
EMPHASIS
2007
NUMBER
NUMBER
ALGEBRA
ALGEBRA
GEOMETRY
GEOMETRY
DATA
OTHER
DATA
NUMBER
ALGEBRA
GEOMETRY
DATA
OTHER
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Michigan State University
2007 Grade 4 Science
Nation
Mean
Singapore
Massachusetts, US
Nation
587
571
Nation
Chinese Taipei
Hong Kong SAR
Minnesota, US
Japan
Russian Federation
Latvia
England
United States
Mean
557
554
551
548
546
542
542
539
Significantly Higher than MN
Not Significantly Different from MN
Significantly Lower than MN
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Mean
Hungary
Italy
Kazakhstan
Germany
Australia
536
535
533
528
527
Slovak Republic
526
Austria
526
Sweden
525
Netherlands
Slovenia
Denmark
Czech Republic
Lithuania
New Zealand
Scotland
Armenia
Norway
Ukraine
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
Georgia
Colombia
El Salvador
Algeria
Kuwait
Tunisia
Morocco
Qatar
Yemen
523
518
517
515
514
504
500
484
477
474
436
418
400
390
354
348
318
297
294
197
Michigan State University
Grade 4 Science: 1995 & 2007
1995 Rescaled Scores
Nation
Japan
Minnesota, US
United States
Austria
Czech Republic
Netherlands
England
Singapore
Australia
Scotland
Hong Kong SAR
Hungary
New Zealand
Norway
Latvia
Slovenia
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
2007 Scores
Mean
553
553
542
538
532
530
528
523
521
514
508
508
505
504
486
464
380
Significantly Higher than MN
Not Significantly Different from MN
Significantly Lower than MN
Nation
(8.8)
(1.8)
(3.3)
(3.6)
(3.0)
(3.2)
(3.1)
(4.8)
(3.8)
(4.5)
(3.3)
(3.4)
(5.3)
(3.7)
(4.9)
(3.1)
(4.6)
Singapore
Hong Kong SAR
Minnesota, US
Japan
England
Latvia
United States
Hungary
Australia
Austria
Netherlands
Slovenia
Czech Republic
New Zealand
Scotland
Norway
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
Mean
587
554
551
548
542
542
539
536
527
526
523
518
515
504
500
477
436
2005 NAEP Grade 4 Science
At advanced
At proficient
Vermont
States
New Jersey
New Hampshire
Minnesota
Massachusetts
0
20
Percent Students
40
2007 Grade 8 Science
Nation
Nation
Mean
Singapore
Chinese Taipei
Massachusetts, US
Japan
Korea, Rep. of
567
561
556
554
553
Nation
Mean
England
Hungary
Czech Republic
Minnesota, US
Slovenia
Hong Kong SAR
Russian Federation
542
539
539
539
538
530
530
Significantly Higher than MN
Not Significantly Different from MN
Significantly Lower than MN
United States
Mean
Lithuania
Australia
520
519
515
Sweden
511
Scotland
496
Italy
495
Armenia
Norway
Ukraine
Jordan
488
487
485
482
471
471
470
470
468
467
466
462
459
457
454
452
452
445
Malaysia
Thailand
Serbia
Bulgaria
Israel
Bahrain
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Romania
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
Malta
Turkey
Syrian Arab Republic
Cyprus
Tunisia
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Nation
Indonesia
Oman
Georgia
Kuwait
Colombia
Lebanon
Egypt
Algeria
Palestinian Nat'l Auth.
Saudi Arabia
Morocco
El Salvador
Botswana
Qatar
Ghana
Michigan State University
Mean
427
423
421
418
417
414
408
408
404
403
402
387
355
319
303
Grade 8 Science: 1995 & 2007
1995 Rescaled Scores
Nation
2007 Scores
Mean
Nation
Singapore
Czech Republic
Japan
Sweden
Korea, Rep. of
Minnesota, US
Hungary
England
Bulgaria
Russian Federation
Australia
580
555
554
553
546
544
537
533
527
523
514
Norway
Slovenia
514 (2.4)
514 (2.7)
513 (5.6)
510 (5.8)
501 (5.6)
471 (5.1)
464 (4.0)
463 (3.6)
452 (2.1)
365 (6.2)
United States
Hong Kong SAR
Scotland
Romania
Lithuania
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
Cyprus
Colombia
Significantly Higher than MN
Not Significantly Different from MN
Significantly Lower than MN
(5.5)
(4.5)
(1.8)
(4.4)
(2.0)
(7.9)
(3.1)
(3.6)
(5.8)
(4.5)
(3.9)
1995
Mean
Singapore
Japan
Korea, Rep. of
England
Czech Republic
Hungary
Minnesota, US
Slovenia
Hong Kong SAR
Russian Federation
567
554
553
542
539
539
539
538
530
530
United States
520
Lithuania
Australia
Sweden
Scotland
Norway
Bulgaria
Romania
Iran, Islamic Rep. of
Cyprus
Colombia
519
515
511
496
487
464
462
459
452
417
Significa
Not Signif
Signific
2005 NAEP Grade 8 Science
At advanced
Vermont
At proficient
States
New Jersey
New Hampshire
Minnesota
Massachusetts
0
10
20
30
Percent Students
40
Grade 4 Science 1
1995
Life
Earth
Earth
Earth in the
Plants &
Organs &
Life Cycles &
Processes &
Features
Processes
Universe
Animals
Tissues
Genetics
Functions
Minnesota
67 Minnesota
70 Minnesota
88 Minnesota
89 Minnesota
70 Japan
75 Czech Republic
73
Japan
U.S.A.
England
Czech Republic
Hungary
Norway
Australia
Hong Kong
International Mn
Singapore
63
60
59
58
58
56
56
54
53
53
57
Japan
U.S.A.
Australia
England
Singapore
Czech Republic
Hungary
Hong Kong
International Mn
Norway
62
61
56
55
54
54
53
51
50
42
54
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Hungary
Norway
Australia
England
U.S.A.
Japan
Singapore
International Mn
75
75
75
75
72
71
70
69
69
67
72
Japan
Australia
Czech Republic
Singapore
U.S.A.
England
Hungary
Hong Kong
International Mn
Norway
78
72
72
70
70
67
66
65
64
60
69
Singapore
Australia
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
Hong Kong
Japan
England
Hungary
Norway
International Mn
67
66
65
65
65
63
62
61
61
59
64
Australia
Czech Republic
Minnesota
England
Singapore
U.S.A.
Norway
Hong Kong
Hungary
International Mn
70
69
69
69
69
68
67
66
64
64
69
Minnesota
Australia
Japan
U.S.A.
Norway
England
Hong Kong
Hungary
Singapore
International Mn
72
71
71
70
68
68
68
67
67
64
69
2007
Minnesota
Hong Kong
70 Japan
66 Minnesota
70 England
67 Singapore
U.S.A.
64 England
65 Hong Kong
Singapore
64 U.S.A.
65 Minnesota
England
Japan
Australia
Hungary
Norway
International Mn
Czech Republic
63
63
60
58
54
51
50
60
64
64
60
60
60
51
51
62
Earth
Features
Hong Kong
Australia
Hungary
Singapore
Czech Republic
International Mn
Norway
Earth
Processes
U.S.A.
Australia
Hungary
Norway
Japan
Czech Republic
International Mn
66 Singapore
66 Minnesota
63 U.S.A.
62 England
61
60
56
55
54
53
50
59
Earth in the
Universe
Hungary
Hong Kong
Australia
Czech Republic
Japan
International Mn
Norway
Plants &
Animals
70 Hungary
62 Singapore
61 Minnesota
63 Singapore
82 Singapore
62
60 Hong Kong
63 Czech Republic
56
58 Hungary
56
60 U.S.A.
60 England
59 England
60
59
59
57
56
50
50
59
58
58
56
53
53
50
49
57
U.S.A.
Hong Kong
Czech Republic
Australia
Japan
Norway
International Mn
Organs &
Tissues
Minnesota
Japan
Australia
Hungary
Czech Republic
International Mn
Norway
56 Minnesota
55 Australia
55
48
48
47
45
35
55
Life
Processes &
Functions
Japan
England
U.S.A.
Hong Kong
International Mn
Norway
55
53
52
52
52
49
43
42
53
Life Cycles &
Genetics
Grade 4 Science 2
1995
Human Biology
& Health
Matter
Minnesota
Australia
U.S.A.
Norway
Singapore
England
Hong Kong
Czech Republic
Japan
Hungary
International Mn
75
70
69
68
68
67
67
66
66
65
63
67
Japan
Singapore
Minnesota
Australia
U.S.A.
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Hungary
England
International Mn
Norway
75
67
66
63
61
61
60
59
58
58
56
62
Japan
Singapore
Hong Kong
Hungary
Minnesota
England
U.S.A.
Australia
Czech Republic
Norway
International Mn
65
64
61
60
57
57
55
54
54
51
48
58
Singapore
Hong Kong
Japan
Minnesota
England
Hungary
U.S.A.
Czech Republic
Australia
International Mn
Norway
72
67
65
61
59
59
59
58
55
50
48
60
Energy &
Physical
Processes
Japan
Minnesota
Australia
England
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
Singapore
Hong Kong
Hungary
International Mn
Norway
70
66
63
62
61
61
61
59
57
56
53
61
Physical &
Chemical
Changes
Japan
Minnesota
Hong Kong
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
Singapore
Australia
England
Hungary
International Mn
Norway
Forces &
Motion
72
69
68
67
65
65
63
61
60
59
58
64
Japan
Czech Republic
Singapore
Minnesota
Norway
Australia
Hungary
Hong Kong
U.S.A.
International Mn
England
62
62
60
59
58
55
55
54
53
51
49
56
69
65
61
58
57
57
55
55
51
46
40
57
Hong Kong
Singapore
Minnesota
Australia
England
U.S.A.
Japan
Hungary
International Mn
Czech Republic
Norway
71
70
67
62
62
61
61
58
54
54
53
61
Environmental
& Resource
Issues
Minnesota
79
Japan
72
Australia
69
U.S.A.
68
Czech Republic
63
Hungary
62
England
60
International Mn
58
Norway
58
Singapore
57
Hong Kong
54
62
Scientific
Processes
Minnesota
U.S.A.
Australia
Singapore
England
Japan
Hong Kong
Czech Republic
Norway
International Mn
Hungary
67
63
59
54
54
53
51
51
48
46
40
53
Singapore
Hong Kong
England
Minnesota
U.S.A.
Australia
Japan
Hungary
Czech Republic
International Mn
Norway
70
70
69
67
67
67
65
62
57
56
54
64
2007
Human Biology
& Health
Matter
Singapore
Japan
Hong Kong
Minnesota
England
U.S.A.
Hungary
Australia
Czech Republic
International Mn
Norway
Energy &
Physical
Processes
73
67
61
58
56
55
54
53
50
47
42
57
Singapore
Japan
Hong Kong
Hungary
Minnesota
England
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
Australia
International Mn
Norway
Physical &
Chemical
Changes
Forces &
Motion
Singapore
Minnesota
Hong Kong
Japan
Australia
England
U.S.A.
Hungary
Czech Republic
International Mn
Norway
62
63
61
59
58
58
57
57
51
45
41
56
Environmental
& Resource
Issues
Scientific
Processes
Comparing MN and the US: Grade 4 Science
Topic
Earth Features
Earth Processes
Earth in the Universe
Plants & Animals
Organs & Tissues
Life Processes & Functions
Life Cycles & Genetics
Interactions of Living Things
Human Biology and Health
Matter
Energy and Physical Processes
Physical & Chemical Changes
Forces and Motion
Environmental & Resource Issues
Scientific Processes
1995 2007
MN>US
MN=US
MN<US
MN Grade 4 Student Science Performance
> 75% Correct
1995
Earth Processes
Earth in the Universe
Plants & Animals
2007
Scientific Processes
Between 50 to 74% Correct
10 of 14 Topics
14 of 14 Topics
< 50% Correct
The 1995 Scores have been adjusted to account for the differences in difficulty of the 1995 &
2007 tests.
Grade 8 Science 1
1995
Earth Features
Czech Republic
Hungary
Korea
Singapore
Earth in the
Universe
Earth Processes
67
67
65
65
Minnesota
64
Sweden
Thailand
Russian Federation
Norway
Japan
England
Australia
U.S.A.
Israel
International Mn
Hong Kong
61
60
59
59
59
59
57
57
56
55
54
60
Minnesota
61
Hungary
Czech Republic
Japan
Russian Federation
S. Korea
Sweden
Norway
Singapore
U.S.A
Australia
Hong Kong
England
International Mn
Israel
Thailand
59
59
58
57
57
56
54
53
51
51
50
50
38
37
34
52
Minnesota
67
Minnesota
74
England
Singapore
Norway
U.S.A.
Russian Federation
Sweden
Korea
Japan
Czech Republic
Australia
Thailand
Israel
International Mn
Hong Kong
Hungary
67
67
62
61
61
60
59
58
57
57
56
55
54
52
51
59
Sweden
Norway
Czech Republic
Japan
Thailand
Singapore
Korea
U.S.A.
Australia
England
Hungary
International Mn
Hong Kong
Israel
Russian Federation
71
70
67
67
66
65
64
63
63
59
59
58
58
56
57
63
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Japan
60
60
59
Czech Republic
S. Korea
61
60
Diversity &
Structure of Living
Things
Japan
76
Singapore
74
Hong Kong
73
Korea
72
Czech Republic
72
Singapore
Japan
Korea
Czech Republic
Thailand
Minnesota
70
Minnesota
63
Thailand
Sweden
Hungary
Australia
Russian Federation
England
U.S.A.
International Mn
Israel
Norway
69
68
67
67
66
64
64
61
60
59
68
Hungary
Russian Federation
England
U.S.A.
Australia
Israel
Hong Kong
Sweden
International Mn
Norway
60
59
59
58
57
57
56
55
55
54
61
61
60
Singapore
S. Korea
Japan
Hong Kong
England
68
63
62
59
58
Minnesota
56
Russian Federation
U.S.A
Czech Republic
Sweden
Australia
Hungary
International Mn
Thailand
Norway
Israel
52
52
47
47
47
43
43
41
38
38
51
Life Processes &
Functions
72
70
68
64
63
Life Cycles &
Genetics
Minnesota
86
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
England
Israel
Sweden
Norway
Korea
Russian Federation
Japan
Hungary
Australia
International Mn
Singapore
Thailand
Hong Kong
82
81
80
79
78
78
76
76
75
74
73
70
69
67
65
75
S. Korea
Japan
Hong Kong
Singapore
Russian Federation
Hungary
65
60
60
57
52
51
2007
Earth Features
Minnesota
58
Russian Federation
Singapore
U.S.A
Australia
England
Sweden
Hungary
S. Korea
Norway
Thailand
International Mn
Israel
57
56
53
52
52
51
50
50
47
46
41
40
52
Earth Processes
Singapore
S. Korea
Minnesota
60
Minnesota
59
U.S.A
Sweden
Norway
Singapore
England
Russian Federation
Australia
Hong Kong
Hungary
Thailand
Japan
International Mn
Israel
58
57
57
57
56
55
53
51
49
49
48
45
38
54
Japan
Hungary
Czech Republic
England
U.S.A
Russian Federation
Hong Kong
Australia
Sweden
Thailand
Norway
International Mn
Israel
57
56
56
55
54
53
51
50
48
44
42
41
41
52
Earth in the
Universe
Diversity &
Structure of Living
Things
Life Processes &
Functions
Minnesota
49
U.S.A
England
Czech Republic
Australia
Sweden
Israel
International Mn
Norway
Thailand
47
47
46
44
41
39
38
38
35
49
Life Cycles &
Genetics
Grade 8 Science 2
Interactions of
Living Things
Korea
Singapore
Human Biology &
Health
69
66
Singapore
Czech Republic
74
72
Minnesota
65
Minnesota
71
Japan
Thailand
Hungary
Australia
England
Norway
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
Russian Federation
Sweden
International Mn
Israel
Hong Kong
65
64
63
62
62
60
58
54
52
52
51
50
47
59
Japan
Hungary
England
Israel
U.S.A.
Thailand
Australia
Korea
Sweden
Russian Federation
Norway
International Mn
Hong Kong
69
69
68
68
67
67
66
66
64
63
63
61
60
67
Singapore
S. Korea
64
62
Minnesota
70
S. Korea
Czech Republic
England
Hungary
Japan
Singapore
Sweden
U.S.A.
Hong Kong
Russian Federation
Australia
Norway
Thailand
Israel
International Mn
69
66
66
65
65
64
63
63
63
62
62
59
57
54
50
63
1995
Properties &
Classification of
Structure of Matter
Matter
Japan
67 Russian Federation
56
Singapore
67 Hungary
54
Korea
65 Czech Republic
54
Czech Republic
60 Singapore
53
Hungary
57 Minnesota
49
Sweden
57 U.S.A.
48
Hong Kong
56 Israel
45
Norway
55 Sweden
43
Australia
55 Korea
42
England
55 Japan
41
Russian Federation
54 Hong Kong
40
Israel
53 International Mn
40
Minnesota
52 Australia
39
International Mn
52 England
38
U.S.A.
50 Norway
32
Thailand
47 Thailand
31
57
44
Energy & Physical
Processes
Singapore
Japan
Korea
England
71
69
67
64
Minnesota
63
Czech Republic
Australia
Hungary
Hong Kong
Israel
Russian Federation
U.S.A.
Norway
Sweden
International Mn
Thailand
62
61
60
60
59
58
57
57
57
56
55
61
Singapore
S. Korea
Japan
England
Hungary
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Russian Federation
Sweden
Australia
63
59
58
54
54
52
51
49
45
45
Physical Changes
Japan
Singapore
Czech Republic
Israel
Sweden
Hungary
Norway
England
Korea
Australia
Russian Federation
Thailand
International Mn
67
63
63
61
61
61
60
59
57
57
57
53
53
Minnesota
50
U.S.A.
Hong Kong
49
49
58
S. Korea
Singapore
Japan
England
Russian Federation
Hungary
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Sweden
57
55
53
52
49
49
47
45
44
2007
Minnesota
62
Hungary
Japan
England
Czech Republic
U.S.A.
Hong Kong
Australia
Russian Federation
Sweden
Norway
Israel
Thailand
International Mn
60
59
58
57
57
55
55
55
53
46
44
43
42
55
Interactions of
Living Things
Human Biology &
Health
Singapore
S. Korea
Japan
Hungary
Czech Republic
Russian Federation
England
Hong Kong
53
53
50
50
49
48
47
44
Minnesota
41
Sweden
U.S.A.
Australia
Israel
International Mn
Norway
Thailand
40
40
39
37
35
34
33
44
Properties &
Classification of
Matter
Singapore
Czech Republic
Russian Federation
Hungary
Japan
U.S.A.
64
60
60
57
52
49
Minnesota
46
Israel
Sweden
International Mn
England
S. Korea
Australia
Thailand
Norway
Hong Kong
44
44
43
42
42
35
35
31
29
46
Structure of Matter
Minnesota
45
U.S.A.
International Mn
Norway
Israel
Thailand
43
40
39
38
38
49
Energy & Physical
Processes
Minnesota
43
Australia
U.S.A.
Norway
Israel
International Mn
Thailand
42
41
40
39
37
34
46
Physical Changes
Grade 8 Science 3
Chemical Changes
Singapore
Korea
Hungary
74
66
65
Minnesota
65
Czech Republic
England
Japan
Australia
Russian Federation
U.S.A.
Israel
Hong Kong
Sweden
International Mn
Norway
Thailand
64
64
64
62
62
61
61
58
57
56
53
51
62
England
Singapore
Hong Kong
Japan
Australia
55
55
48
47
45
Minnesota
45
Russian Federation
Hungary
U.S.A.
Czech Republic
S. Korea
Norway
International Mn
Sweden
Thailand
Israel
44
43
43
39
37
35
34
34
31
30
42
Forces & Motion
Czech Republic
Japan
Singapore
Korea
Hong Kong
Hungary
England
Sweden
Australia
Norway
78
74
73
70
69
69
68
68
67
67
1995
Science,
Technology, &
Society
Korea
74
Hungary
73
Sweden
67
Singapore
66
Japan
60
Thailand
59
England
57
Hong Kong
55
Norway
52
Czech Republic
52
Minnesota
63
Minnesota
52
Russian Federation
U.S.A.
International Mn
Israel
Thailand
62
61
61
55
56
67
Australia
Israel
International Mn
U.S.A.
Russian Federation
52
51
48
48
40
58
Czech Republic
Japan
S. Korea
Singapore
England
Hungary
49
49
48
48
45
44
Singapore
Japan
Czech Republic
Russian Federation
England
Hong Kong
S. Korea
Environmental &
Resource Issues
Singapore
Thailand
73
70
Scientific
Processes
Singapore
Korea
75
64
Minnesota
68
Minnesota
63
England
Australia
Korea
Japan
U.S.A.
Czech Republic
Norway
Hong Kong
International Mn
Sweden
Israel
Hungary
Russian Federation
67
65
63
62
60
59
58
53
53
52
52
49
47
59
Czech Republic
Australia
Japan
England
U.S.A.
Hungary
Hong Kong
Thailand
International Mn
Sweden
Norway
Israel
Russian Federation
61
61
60
60
59
57
57
55
53
52
52
52
51
58
55
Japan
Singapore
S. Korea
56
52
50
2007
Chemical Changes
Minnesota
43
Hong Kong
Russian Federation
Sweden
U.S.A.
Australia
Norway
Israel
International Mn
Thailand
42
41
41
40
38
32
32
31
29
41
Forces & Motion
51
50
44
44
41
39
39
Minnesota
38
U.S.A.
Australia
Hungary
Sweden
International Mn
Thailand
Norway
Israel
37
36
34
26
26
19
17
16
35
Science,
Technology, &
Society
Singapore
Minnesota
55
England
Australia
Hungary
S. Korea
Hong Kong
Russian Federation
U.S.A.
Czech Republic
Japan
Sweden
Norway
Thailand
International Mn
Israel
53
52
51
51
50
49
49
48
48
43
42
40
38
35
48
Environmental &
Resource Issues
Minnesota
48
England
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
U.S.A.
Australia
Hungary
Russian Federation
Israel
Sweden
Thailand
International Mn
Norway
46
45
43
43
42
40
38
34
34
29
29
28
41
Scientific
Processes
Comparing MN and the US: Grade 8 Science
Topic
Earth Features
Earth Processes
Earth in the Universe
Diversity & Structure of Living Things
Life Processes & Functions
Life Cycles & Genetics
Interactions of Living Things
Human Biology and Health
Properties & Classification of Matter
Structure of Matter
Energy and Physical Processes
Physical Changes
Chemical Changes
Forces and Motion
Science, Technology, & Society
Environmental & Resource Issues
Scientific Processes
1995 2007
MN>US
MN=US
MN<US
MN Grade 8 Student Science Performance
1995
2007
> 75% Correct
Between 50 to 74% Correct
< 50% Correct
11 of 17 Topics
8 of 17 Topics
Properties & Classification of Matter
Physical Changes
Chemical Changes
Forces and Motion
Science, Technology, & Society
Scientific Processes
Life Cycles & Genetics
Structure of Matter
Energy and Physical
Processes
The 1995 Scores have been adjusted to account for the differences in difficulty of the 1995 &
2007 tests.
Grade 4 Earth Features:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.85
0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9 %
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Grade 4 Life Cycles and Genetics:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9 %
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Grade 4 Physical and Chemical Changes:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.30
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9 %
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Grade 4 Environmental and Resource Issues:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9 % 25 to 49.9% 50 to 74.9% 75% or more
FRL
FRL
FRL
FRL
FRL
Grade 8 Earth in the Universe:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.30
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9%
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Grade 8 Human Biology and Health:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9%
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Grade 8 Science, Technology and Society:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9%
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Grade 8 Earth in the Universe:
Average Percent Correct by SES
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
Less than 10% 10 to 24.9%
FRL
FRL
25 to 49.9%
FRL
50 to 74.9%
FRL
75% or more
FRL
Instructional Content Constructs
Curricular Coherence
Curricular Structure
Curricular Focus
Exposure Time (OTL)
Curricular Rigor
Level of Cognitive Complexity
2003 MN Science Curriculum
Science Topics Intended at Each Grade
Grade
Topics
Organs, Tissues
Physical Properties of Matter
Plants, Fungi
Animals
Classification of Matter
Rocks, Soil
Light
Electricity
Life Cycles
Physical Changes of Matter
Heat & Temperature
Bodies of Water
Interdependence of Life
Habitats & Niches
Biomes & Ecosystems
Reproduction
Time, Space, Motion
Types of Forces
Weather & Climate
Planets in the Solar System
Magnetism
Earth's Composition
Organism Energy Handling
Land, Water, Sea Resource Conservation
Earth in the Solar System
Atoms, Ions, Molecules
Chemical Properties of Matter
Chemical Changes of Matter
Physical Cycles
Land Forms
Material & Energy Resource Conservation
Explanations of Physical Changes
Pollution
Atmosphere
Sound & Vibration
Cells
Human Nutrition
Building & Breaking
Energy Types, Sources, Conversions
Dynamics of Motion
Organism Sensing & Responding
1
l
l
l
l
2
l
l
l
3
4
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
5
6
7
8
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
Grade 4 Science Mean
Teaching Emphasis
2007 TIMSS GRADE 4 SCIENCE TEST EMPHASIS
2007 TIMSS
TEST
1995 EMPHASIS
2007
LIFE
LIFE
PHYSICAL
PHYSICAL
EARTH
EARTH
OTHER
LIFE
PHYSICAL
EARTH
OTHER
Grade 4 Teachers’ Reported Percent Teaching Time
on Science Topics by School SES
25
Percent Students Eligible for FRL
75 percent or more FRL
37
40
50 to 74.9 percent FRL
41
22
25 to 49.9 percent FRL
34
28
10 to 24.9 percent FRL
34
31
37
Less than 10 percent FRL
0
20
26
13
33
Life Science
5
31
33
40
0
6
27
60
80
Percent Teaching Time
Physical Science
3
100
Earth Science
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
120
Other Topics
Michigan State University
Grade 4 Teachers’ Reported Percent Teaching Time
on Science Topics by School SES
Grade 4 Lowest SES Schools
Grade 4: Highest SES Schools
Life Science
Physical Science
Earth Science
Other Topics
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Michigan State University
Mean Percent of Grade 4 Science Teaching
Time
Topic
Highest SES
Lowest SES Difference
Life Science
37
25
4+ Weeks
Earth
Science
27
41
5 Weeks
Grade 4 MN Teachers’ Yearly Total Science
Instructional Time by SES
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
Less than 10 percent
FRL
10 to 24.9 percent FRL 25 to 49.9 percent FRL 50 to 74.9 percent FRL 75 percent or more FRL
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Michigan State University
MN Students Overall Percent Correct on TIMSS
2007 Science Fourth Grade Test by Percentage of
FRL Students in School
0.8
Total Proportion of TIMSS Science Items Correct
0.75
0.7
0.65
0.6
0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
0.3
FRL>25%
FRL25% to 50%
FRL>50%
Free/Reduced Lunch Percentage
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Michigan State University
Grade 8 Science Mean
Teaching Emphasis
2007 TIMSS GRADE 8 SCIENCE TEST EMPHASIS
1995 EMPHASIS
2007 TIMSS
TEST
2007
BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
PHYSICS
EARTH SCIENCE
EARTH SCIENCE
OTHER
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
EARTH SCIENCE
OTHER
Grade 8 Teachers’ Reported Percent Teaching Time
on Science Topics by School SES
39
Percent Students Eligible for FRL
75 percent or more FRL
4
50 to 74.9 percent FRL
11
8
25 to 49.9 percent FRL
10 to 24.9 percent FRL
6
Less than 10 percent FRL
7
0
4 3
53
8
9
7
75
12
3
66
9
9
2
6
78
15
20
46
40
Biology
2
13
60
80
Percent Teaching Time
Chemistry
Physics
100
Earth Science
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
120
Other Topics
Michigan State University
Grade 8 Teachers’ Reported Percent Teaching Time
on Science Topics by School SES
Grade 8 Lowest SES Schools
Grade 8 Highest SES Schools
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Earth Science
Other Topics
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Michigan State University
Mean Percent of Grade 8 Science Teaching
Time
Topic
Highest SES Lowest SES Difference
Biology
7
39
11+ Weeks
Earth
Science
46
53
2+ Weeks
Physics
15
3
2+ Weeks
Other Topics
13
2
4 Weeks
Grade 8 MN Teachers’ Yearly Total Science
Instructional Time by SES
155
150
145
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
Less than 10 percent FRL
10 to 24.9 percent FRL
25 to 49.9 percent FRL
50 to 74.9 percent FRL
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
75 percent or more FRL
Michigan State University
MN Students Overall Percent Correct on TIMSS
2007 Science Eighth Grade Test by Percentage of
FRL Students in School
Total Proportion of TIMSS Science Items Correct
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.30
0.20
FRL>25%
FRL25% to 50%
FRL>50%
Free/Reduced Lunch Percentage
© 2008 Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education,
Michigan State University
MN Grade 4 Students Eligible for School Lunch Program: NAEP 2005
Science Proficiency Levels by Ethnicity
Hispanic
Group
Below basic
At basic
Black
At proficient
At advanced
White
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Percent Students
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Hispani Hispani
c
c
Black
2000
Black
FRL
2005
Black
Non-FRL
2005
Black
FRL
2000
White
Non-FRL
2000
White
FRL
2005
White
Non-FRL
White
FRL
2005
2005
2000
Non-FRL
2005
MN Grade 4 Students: NAEP 2005 and 2000 Science Proficiency Levels
by Ethnicity and School Lunch Eligibility
Non-FRL
FRL
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Percent Students
Below basic
At basic
At proficient
At advanced
70%
80%
90%
100%
2005
Black
FRL
2005
Black
Non-FRL
2000
White
MN Grade 8 Students: NAEP 2005 and 2000 Science Proficiency Levels
by Ethnicity and School Lunch Eligibility
FRL
Below basic
At basic
2000
White
Non-FRL
2005
White
FRL
2005
White
At proficient
Non-FRL
At advanced
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2005
Black
2005
Black
FRL
2007
Black
Non-FRL
2007
Black
FRL
2009
Black
Non-FRL
2009
Black
FRL
White White White White White White
2009
2009
2007
2007
2005
Non-FRL
2005
MN Grade 4 Students: NAEP 2009, 2007 and 2005 Math Proficiency
Levels by Ethnicity and School Lunch Eligibility
Non-FRL
FRL
Non-FRL
FRL
Non-FRL
FRL
0%
10%
20%
30%
Below basic
40%
At basic
50%
At proficient
60%
At advanced
70%
80%
90%
100%