The Show Me Geology curriculum is aligned with national and statewide science standards for elementary and middle school. There are several different "versions" of science standards (see below) which have more similarities than differences. San Diego schools of course are obliged to conform to the State standards. In common with all versions, Show Me Geology is concerned with getting kids excited about science by understanding their natural world better, preparing kids to engage in public discourse and make informed decisions as future voters, and encourage them to attend college and consider a SMET (science, mathematics, engineering, and technology) pathway through higher education.
Published in 1996 by the National Research Council the "standards" provide a vision of science literacy for the country, and outline what students should know, understand, and be able to do in the natural sciences over the course of K-12 education. They are divided into eight categories. The first category "unifying concepts and processes in science" is presented for all grade levels. The other seven categories, which include "Earth and space science" are clustered for grade levels K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
”Triple A-S” (AAAS), is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world. "Benchmarks" published in 1993 is a statement of what all students should know or be able to do in science, mathematics, and technology by the end of grades 2, 5, 8, and 12.