Science

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The science web page provides clarification, guidance, and support to science stakeholders for the development and implementation of the K–12 science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and science graduation requirements.

Announcements

TEKS Guide is Live

The TEA Science Curriculum Team is excited to announce the launch of the . This tool will help provide a consistent and clear interpretation of the new science TEKS so that all science educators in Texas have the same understanding of the standards. To access this resource, select Science and a grade level or course in the drop-down menus.

    TEKS Guide 101 Recording

    The TEA Science Team held TEKS Guide 101 webinars this summer. ÌýA recording is available on the . ÌýThe slide deck is also available.

    Current Science TEKS

    The links below provide access to the web-based version of the Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. You can also access a PDF version of the TEKS.  In 2020 and 2021, the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved TEKS for kindergarten through high school to be implemented in the 2024-2025 school year.

    Science TEKS Resources

    The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ developed the following resources to support local education agencies implementing the science standards.

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    The Science is a teacher-support resource designed to provide a consistent and clear interpretation of the science TEKS so that all science educators in Texas have the same understanding of the standards. Use the drop-down menus in the TEKS Guide to select Science and a grade level or course.

    The grade-level Side by Side TEKS documents show the alignment between the 2021 TEKS and the 2017 TEKS, including language added or removed from the standards and notes about where content moved. ÌýThese assist educators in determining which instructional materials may still be helpful and which may be helpful at a different grade level.Ìý

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    TEKS in Focus spotlights concepts or student expectations monthly to bolster TEKS alignment, rigor, and collective understanding. It does not suggest an order or timing but helps with comprehension of TEKS changes, serving as a guide when relevant to classroom instruction.Ìý

    The K-12 content vertical alignment documents show the alignment of concepts by topic area.ÌýThe standards have been organized into four broad scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics. The K-12 Scientific and Engineering Practices and Recurring Themes and Concepts vertical alignment document shows the progression of practices and themes through the grade levels.

    Purpose of the Science TEKS Resources:

    The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ has developed a collection of science resources that support the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).ÌýThese resources can be used as instructional support in the science classroom.ÌýÌý

    Purpose of the TEA STEM Toolkit:

    The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ has developed a full collection of tools to support districts in developing a local STEM program aligned to the high-quality indicators identified by the state. The STEM tools are designed to support a district in planning and implementing a PK-12 STEM program aligned to theÌýTexas STEM Framework.

    Purpose of this Collection of STEM One-Pagers:

    The Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ has developed a collection of STEM one-pagers that supportÌýSTEM concepts in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).ÌýThese resources can be used to communicate STEM concepts in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to students, educators, and the community.Ìý

    Safety in the Science Classroom

    The Texas education agency has developed resources to support districts with science safety. In addition to TEA resources, this section includes outside resources.

    Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

    The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for kindergarten–grade 12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The awards were established by Congress in 1983. The National Science Foundation, under the direction of the White House, approves the Texas candidates for the national award. If selected as an awardee, the applicant will receive $10,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for ceremonies that include recognition from the President of the United States.

    The 2024 - 2025 cycle will be for teachers of grade 7 through grade 12. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by the PAEMST deadline will receive 25 CPE hours.ÌýFor more information, please visit theÌýÌýwebsite.

      Lori GarrettÌýwas selected as a 2020 science PAEMST national awardee. Mrs. Garrett teaches pre-kindergarten through grade 4 / science & enrichment at Cactus Elementary School in Dumas ISD, Cactus, TX. Additional information on the announcement for Mrs. Garrett is available on her (outside source).

      The 2020 competition recognizes grades 7 through 12 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists were recognized in September 2021 at the Texas State Board of Education meeting and are listed below:

      • Fatimah Aboueisha teaches Pre-AP Biology and Biology at Brandeis High School in the Northside ISD, San Antonio, TX
      • William Crump teaches Pre-AP and STEM Chemistry at Colleyville Heritage High School in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Colleyville, TX
      • Michelle Jedlicka teaches Physic 1 and AP Physics C at A&M Consolidated High School in the College Station ISD, College Station, TX

      The 2022 competition recognizes kindergarten through grade 6 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists in elementary science are listed below:

      • Denise Carvin teaches grade 1 at Radiant STEM Academy in Irving, TX.
      • Cheri Palmer teaches grade 5 science at iUniversity Prep in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD in Grapevine, TX.
      • Shatara White teaches grade 6 advanced placement science classes at Tomball Intermediate School in Tomball ISD in Tomball, TX.

      The 2023 competition recognizes grades 7 through 12 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists are listed below:

      • Jamie Flint teaches Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Honors Chemistry at Spring Woods High School in the Spring Branch ISD, Houston, TX
      • Krystle Moos teaches AP and Honors Chemistry at Midway High School in the Midway ISD, Waco, TX
      • Voke Ogueh teaches Fundamentals of Computer Science and AP Computer Science Principles at Hastings High School in the Alief ISD, Houston, TX

      The 2024 competition recognizes kindergarten through grade 6 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists are listed below:

      • Amber Chalmers teaches grade 5 science at Houston Elementary School in the Lancaster ISO, Lancaster, TX
      • Kaya Jones teaches kindergarten through grade 5 students at Christie Elementary School in the Plano ISO, Plano, TX
      • Lindsey Leiker reaches grade 4 at Carolyn and Vernon Madden Elementary School in the Fort Bend ISO,ÌýSugar Land, TX

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      Professional Development

      • Statewide science and STEM professional development opportunities are available at regional education service centers (ESCs) and through theÌýÌýand .
      • Contact the science specialist orÌýSTEM LeadÌýat your regional ESC for upcoming professional development opportunities.
      • Professional development opportunities are also available through Texas Environmental Education Advisory CommitteeÌýTEEAC Providers.ÌýThis network of universities, state agencies, museums, and nature centers helps ensure that teacher professional development offered by formal and non-formal providers is educationally sound and consistent with the TEKS.
      Contact Information

      Curriculum Standards and Student Support
      (512) 463-9581

      For questions or additional information, please submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.

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      Science Newsletter Archive

      Math and Science Team

      Shawna Wiebusch
      Math and Science DirectorÌý

      Carla Bailey
      Elementary Science and Math Content Specialist

      Liz Baker
      Secondary Science Content Specialist

      Michelle Sedberry
      Statewide STEM Coordinator

      Julie Kuhn  Ìý
      Mathematics Achievement Academies Coordinator Ìý

      James Slack  Ìý
      Secondary Mathematics Specialist