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K-5 Science

(COVID Emergency Release V3)

Full-Subject Materials: Pilot Texas OER

K–5 Science COVID Emergency Release V2 is an open education resource (OER) currently named PhD Science TEKS Edition, freely-available in digital form to districts in perpetuity. It was designed to align with 2018, streamlined, science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). 

K–5 Science COVID Emergency Release V2 is a phenomenon-based program in which teachers facilitate the learning, but students own it. Students develop a deep, lasting understanding of science concepts that inspires them to wonder about the world and empowers them to make sense of it. Each lesson builds on the one before it, so students develop their understanding in the context of the phenomenon. The curriculum provides differentiation strategies to support engagement with rigorous content through hands-on investigations, collaborative conversations, and analysis of authentic texts and media. 

Currently, K-5 Science COVID Emergency Release V2 is available for transparent review on the vendor website. The agency developed these learning resources as a contingency option for school districts during COVID. All resources are optional. Prior to publication, materials go through a rigorous third-party review. Review criteria include TEKS alignment, support for all learners, progress monitoring, implementation supports, and more. Products also are subject to a focus group of Texas educators. Given the timeline for development, errors are to be expected. If you find an error, or if you have additional questions about the product, please email us at openeducationresources@tea.texas.gov.

View the K–5 Science TEKS Edition Curriculum Overview (PDF) and Scope and Sequence (PDF) to learn more.

Digital Tool Add-ons

The K–5 Science in Sync TEKS Edition is an optional add-on that includes direct daily instruction videos, fillable PDFs, and planning and preparation resources designed to help teachers continue rich science education from anywhere. Additional materials, including print materials and science kits are available for purchase from the publisher. These additional resources are not part of the full subject OER product. For Texas school districts and educators, access to these features is available through 2024.

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COVID-19 Notice 

In the early stages of the COVID-19 impact on schools, TEA went through a rapid review process to support schools with instructional material resources that could be used both in person and remotely as a contingency option. As a result, certain instructional materials were made available on a rapid timeline in 2020 and have been subject to multiple rounds of revisions. Given the timeline for development, errors are to be expected, but the agency remains committed to fixing issues as they are identified. To ensure robust review, feedback is being gathered from parents, caregivers, educators, and organizations across the state. This feedback will inform the continuous improvement of subsequent units and editions.

Help guide continuous improvement by taking our online survey. If you have questions or concerns about the instructional materials, please email us.