Science Essential Elements to Be Tested Beginning in Spring 2027
The documents below detail the science Essential Elements to be tested beginning in Spring 2027. For a list of all Dynamic Learning Maps® Essential Elements for Spring Science 2027, see Complete List of Essential Elements for Science – Spring 2027 (pdf).
Essential Elements are numbered with a numeral indicating the end grade within the grade band (i.e., 5 for Grades 3–5, 8 for Grades 6–8, and 12 for Grades 9–12), followed by the domain abbreviation (i.e., ESS for Earth and space science, LS for life science, PS for physical science), then a shortened DCI family name (e.g., SolSys for Earth in the Solar System), and the number within the grade band and family.
NOTE: Only Delaware, District of Columbia, and Maryland assess High School End of Instruction Biology. Life Science Essential Elements for Grades 9–12 from the general blueprint are used for this assessment; no additional Essential Elements are assessed in those states..
Science Essential Elements Assessed for Spring 2027
Science Key to Map Codes
Code | Description |
|---|---|
IP | Initial Precursor |
DP | Distal Precursor |
PP | Proximal Precursor |
T | Target |
UN | Untested |
EE Codes / DCI Family Name
Code | Description |
|---|---|
Earth | Earth Systems |
EcoHlth | Ecosystem Health |
Ecosys | Ecosystem: Cycling of Matter and Flow of Energy |
Energy | Energy |
Forces | Interacting Forces |
Group* | Group Survival Behavior |
Human* | Human Impacts on Ecosystems |
Impact* | Reducing Impacts of Severe Weather |
Matter | Matter and Chemical Reactions |
Org | Organisms: Structure and Function, Growth and Development |
Plant | Plants: Cycling of Matter and Flow of Energy |
SolSys | Earth in the Solar System |
Trait | Traits of Organisms |
Weath | Weather and Climate |
* These DCI Families are not included on the assessment blueprint and thus have no corresponding mini-map documents.