The emphasis placed on reading and math testing in the last few years as a result of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has pushed science to the sidelines. But that could be about to change. NCLB began requiring in 2007–2008 that states test and report on student performance in science, starting in third grade, according to a recent article in the National Science Teachers Association WebNews Digest. However, the testing requirements are not yet tied to the funding mechanisms for NCLB.

Organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association are lobbying for science to be counted as part of each school's annual yearly progress (AYP). These groups argue that without the AYP stakes, which help determine NCLB federal funding, schools still won't emphasize science enough.

Maybe required testing can restore science to its rightful place in the classroom. I say "rightful place" because science education is vital to our nation's long-term success and international competitiveness. I say "maybe" because we must start early in elementary school if we are going to teach students to think scientifically. If we want to excel scientifically as a nation, we can't wait until middle school and junior high to start teaching science; we have to teach science and hold schools responsible for the academic results in the early grades. Early education is key not only in math and reading but also in science and social studies (that's a story for another time).

To address science needs, Learning A–Z has been developing Internet-delivered science curriculum materials for elementary school students. Science A–Z is designed to teach science skills alongside reading skills at multiple reading levels, in accordance with state standards. Science A–Z comes with downloadable books, lessons, hands-on activities, worksheets, and career files to get elementary students excited about science. The website will launch early next year, but you can download an entire lesson today and test out Science A–Z in your classroom.