Lower secondary intended curricula of science subjects and mathematics: a comparison of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland and Slovenia

Comparative studies on science curricula provide insights into educational standards worldwide. Accordingly, in this study, we analysed the intended of mathematics and subjects Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland Slovenia by comparing their lower secondary (ISCED 2) National Curriculum Documents mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography geology from perspective learning outcomes. By document analysis, extracted obligatory outcomes national curricula, assessing level detail structure. A team seven coders also measured cognitive demands using revised Bloom’s taxonomy. Our results showed considerable differences number across countries structure these subjects, even within documents. Cognitive determined were similar countries, but metacognitive knowledge processes higher (Evaluate Create) mostly overlooked. We found a lack explicitly requiring use ICT, experimental or field work data analysis. Although requirements are usually formulated general sections curriculum documents, recommend incorporating them documents as individual