SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a measure through the Senate Thursday to expand science education in elementary schools.

“Creating human-centered education in science helps individuals to understand their bodies fully but also creates connections to other sciences potentially creating a strong interest and understanding,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We must empower kids to learn more about the human body and how it relates to higher sciences.”

Ventura’s measure would create the Science in Elementary Schools Working Group. The group, created by the Illinois State Board of Education, would add new science curriculum on topics such as anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. The expanded education would also help students understand their own bodies and care for their health and well-being throughout their lives.

By June 1, 2024, the Working Group would create a guide with links to available resources so elementary teachers have access to high quality, age-appropriate, and free educational materials. By Dec. 31, 2025 the working group would make recommendations to ISBE about further steps to take, which would be reviewed and updated at a minimum of every five years thereafter.

“We hope to empower students with the information they need that will stay with them throughout their whole life,” said Ventura.

Senate Bill 2354 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.