TIMSS 2019 International Results in
Mathematics and Science

Science Grade 4

Average Achievement in Science Content and Cognitive Domains

Average Achievement in Content Domains

Exhibit 2.14 shows countries’ average science achievement in each of the three content domains relative to their overall average achievement (presented from highest to lowest overall average achievement). Based on countries’ relative strengths and weaknesses, the TIMSS 2019 countries appear to be placing relatively less instructional emphasis on the Earth science content domain than the other two science content domains. Of the 53 participating countries with scores in the science content domains, 21 had a relative strength in life science and 13 had a relative weakness; 17 had a relative strength in physical science and 21 had a relative weakness, and 10 had a relative strength in Earth science, and 26 had a relative weakness. All countries except Austria had at least one relative strength or relative weakness compared with their overall achievement.