Science
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
STAAR Information
If you have questions about how the revised TEKS will be tested, start by exploring the STAAR Science Resources page. The assessment team posts updated resources and materials as they are developed.Ìý
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. â¶Ä¯
Resources for Science TEKS
The Âé¶¹AV has developed the following resources to support the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
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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
- Kindergarten Science TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 1 Science TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 2 Science TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 3ÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 4ÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 5ÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 6ÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 7ÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Grade 8ÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- BiologyÌýTEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Integrated Physics and ChemistryÌýTEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Chemistry TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Physics TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Environmental Science TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Earth Systems Science TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- AquaticÌýScience TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
- Astronomy Science TEKS Side by SideÌý(PDF)
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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
- TEKS in Focus: Scientific and Engineering Practices
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment Physical and Chemical Properties
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment Physical and Chemical Change
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Mixtures
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Forms of Energy
- TEKS in Focus:ÌýVertical Alignment of Energy Transfer
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Force and Motion
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Weather and Climate
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.
- Recurring Themes and Concepts Posters 8.5x11Ìýand 18x24Ìý(PDF)
- Recurring Themes and Concepts Question Prompts (PDF)
- Recurring Themes and Concepts PromptÌýCardÌý(PDF)
Purpose of the TEA STEM Toolkit:
The Âé¶¹AV 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 Âé¶¹AV 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.
- Science Safety PosterÌý(PDF)
- Âé¶¹AV Texas Safety Standards (PDF)
- General Science Classroom Safety Rules for Students (PDF)
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
The PAEMST awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, and technology applications. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in improving mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 4,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and the teaching profession. The National Science Foundation, which manages PAEMST on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), provides each awardee $10,000. For more information, please visit theÌýPAEMSTÌýwebsite.Ìý
The 2025–2026 cycle will be for kindergarten through grade 6 teachers. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit an application by the PAEMST deadline will receive 25 CPE hours.Ìý
Voke Ogueh, for her work as a computer science teacher at Hastings High School, Alief ISD, in Houston, TX. Additional information on the announcement for Mrs. Garrett is available on her (outside source).
Shatara White, for her work as a grade 6 science teacher at Tomball Intermediate in Tomball ISD, Tomball, TX. Additional information on the announcement for Mrs. Garrett is available on her (outside source).
Fatimah Fotouh Aboueisha, for her work as a biology teacher at Brandeis High School in Northside ISD, San Antonio, TX. Additional information on the announcement for Mrs. Garrett is available on her (outside source).
In Texas, the 2024–2025 application cycle concluded in March, and a review committee selected three finalists in mathematics and three finalists in science. These finalists will proceed to the national review, from which the 2024–2025 national awardees will be selected.
The following three educators are the Texas science finalists for 2024–2025:
- Jamie Flint, Chemistry and AP Chemistry teacher at Spring Woods High School in Spring Branch ISD, Houston, Texas
- William Howard, AP Biology and dual credit Biology teacher at Tyler Legacy High School in Tyler ISD, Tyler, Texas
- Tiffany Syfert, Physics, AP Physics, and Engineering and Design teacher at Highland Park High School in Highland Park ISD, Dallas, Texas
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The 2023–2024 competition recognized 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, grade 5 science teacher at Houston Elementary School in Lancaster ISD, Lancaster, Texas
- Kaya Jones, kindergarten through grade 5 teacher at Christie Elementary School in ÌýPlano ISD, Plano, Texas
- Lindsey Leiker, grade 4 teacher at Carolyn and Vernon Madden Elementary School in the Fort Bend ISDO, Sugar Land, Texas
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.
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
James Slack  Ìý
Secondary Mathematics Specialist