The National Research Council is coordinating the effort to develop national standards for science education. The goal is to develop, and publish by fall, 1994, science education standards that represent the consensus of teachers and other science educators, scientists, and the general public about what is important for all students to attain in science education. The standards consist of three facets: curriculum, teaching, and assessment. Section 1 of this document introduces the project. Section 2 is entitled "Charge to the Working Groups." Section 3 consists of questions and answers about standards. The next section presents a timeline for the standards. Section 5 lists the names and titles of people involved in the standards project. (PR)