Science
Related Content
Related TEA Links
Contact Information
Curriculum Standards and Student Support
(512) 463-9581
For questions or additional information, please submit a Curriculum Request Form through the
Please subscribe to the newsletter updates from the science team.
Foundation Team
Liz Baker
Science Content Specialist
Vanessa Alba
Elementary Content Specialist
Tamara Robert
Reading Language Arts Content Specialist
Jenny Gaona
Social Studies Content Specialist
James Slack
Mathematics Content Specialist
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.
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 on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills webpage.
- Elementary Science TEKS
- Middle School Science TEKS
- High School Science TEKS
- Other Science Courses TEKS (high school)
Resources for Science TEKS
The Texas Education Agency has developed the following resources to support the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
-
The Science TEKS Guide 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.
-
TEKS in Focus spotlights concepts or student expectations to bolster TEKS alignment, rigor, and collective understanding. It does not suggest an order or timing, but it helps clarify the TEKS and serves as a guiding resource when relevant to classroom instruction.
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 1A
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 1B
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 1C
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 1E
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 1F
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 1G
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 2A
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 2B
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 2C
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 2D
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Scientific and Engineering Practice 3A
-
The K–12 content vertical alignment documents show the alignment of concepts by topic area. The 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 8.5x11 and 18x24 (PDF)
- Recurring Themes and Concepts Question Prompts (PDF)
- Recurring Themes and Concepts Prompt Card (PDF)
-
Engineering design challenges can be created for a specific standard or aligned with multiple standards and subject areas. This guide supports educators in developing cross-curricular engineering design challenges anchored in the science standards. Engineering practices are part of the student expectations in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science. However, an engineering design challenge can incorporate content from multiple subject areas to enable students to apply content to solve a real-world problem.
Kindergarten Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 1 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 2 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 3 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 4 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 5 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 6 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 7 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 8 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF) -
Purpose of the TEA STEM Toolkit:
The Texas Education Agency 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 the Texas STEM Framework.
-
Purpose of this Collection of STEM One-Pagers:
The Texas Education Agency has developed a collection of STEM one-pagers that support STEM concepts in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). These resources can be used to communicate STEM concepts in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to students, educators, and the community.
Safety in the Science Classroom
The following resources support local school systems in maintaining safety during science instruction. In addition to TEA resources, this section includes outside resources.
- Science Safety Poster (PDF)
- Texas Education Agency Texas Safety Standards (PDF)
- Texas Education Agency Elementary Science Safety Course
- Texas Education Agency Middle School Science Safety Course
- Texas Education Agency High School Science Safety Course
- "Hazardous substance" as defined by Health and Safety Code
Professional Development
- Statewide science and STEM professional development opportunities are available at regional education service centers (ESCs) and through the Texas Gateway and TEALearn.
- Contact the science specialist or STEM Lead at your regional ESC for upcoming professional development opportunities.
- Professional development opportunities are also available through the Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee's TEEAC Providers. This network of environmental education professional development providers includes universities, local and state agencies, museums, and nature centers. They help ensure that student programs and teacher professional development are educationally sound and consistent with the TEKS.