American science teachers in elementary and middle school face a dilemma as they prepare students for high school physics and advanced placement classes. The dilemma lies in ensuring that these students are equipped with the high-level science content they need to thrive in such classes. Aside from life sciences and chemistry sciences, how are our students learning physics at a young age? Do our elementary and middle school teachers know the current content in physics required to prepare our students for the top levels of science education? The author argues that many lower-school teachers are either shying away from such content or are unaware of the latest developments in the field. (Contains 2 figures.)