State's Science Classes to Emphasize Hands-On Discovery

California public school kids will learn science in a completely new way next year. The Golden State now becomes the first in the country to take on this new approach.

Science will no longer be about memorizing facts and writing essays. Now it’s all about experiments and hands-on exploration.

The State Board of Education approved a new blueprint for science instruction on Thursday at its meeting in Sacramento.

Curriculum will be based on what's called Next Generation Science Standards.

Among other things, lesson plans will now deepen instruction about climate change, and for the first time include engineering and environmental literacy -- or the principles and actions that make for good environmental citizens.

For example, middle school kids will face the challenge of diverting rainwater from roadways, which often picks up pollutants, into the ground to prevent flooding and enhance filtration.

State education officials believe this new approach will get more kids excited about science.

New national test results show California is among the lowest-performing states on the subject, based on average test scores.