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
New STEM Toolkit Resources Available
Developing an Engineering Design Challenge Grades 6-8
Engineering design challenges can be created for a specific standard or aligned with multiple standards and subject areas. This tool 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, enabling students to apply it to solve a real-world problem.
- Grade 6 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
- Grade 7 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
- Grade 8 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
STEM Fluency Skills One-Pager
STEM fluency skills encompass a range of abilities essential for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. These include communication, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, promptness, adaptability, time and materials management, and innovation. This one-pager explains what STEM fluency skills are and why they are important to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
STEM Fluency Skills One Pager (PDF)
Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Application Window is Open Through May 29, 2026
Through a partnership between the ºÚÁÏÉç (TEA) and Learning Undefeated, the Texas Mobile STEM Lab will continue to provide STEM engagement opportunities for students during the 2026–2027 school year. Using custom-outfitted STEM learning spaces, the mobile labs offer engaging, hands-on educational experiences for students and teachers in kindergarten through grade 8. The application window is April 1, 2026, through May 29, 2026. All Texas public schools that offer classes for kindergarten through grades 8 are eligible to register for a free visit during the 2026–2027 school year. on the Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Page.
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. â¶Ä¯
Resources for Science TEKS
The ºÚÁÏÉç has developed the following resources to support the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
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.
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.
- 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: Vertical Alignment of Energy Transfer
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Force and Motion
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Weather and Climate
- TEKS in Focus: Vertical Alignment of Structure and Function
- 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
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)
Purpose of the TEA STEM Toolkit:
The ºÚÁÏÉç 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 ºÚÁÏÉç 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.
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. These assist educators in determining which instructional materials may still be helpful and which may be helpful at a different grade level.
- Kindergarten Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 1 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 2 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 3 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 4 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 5 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 6 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 7 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Grade 8 Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Biology TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Integrated Physics and Chemistry TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Chemistry TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Physics TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Environmental Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Earth Systems Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Aquatic Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
- Astronomy Science TEKS Side by Side (PDF)
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 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, science, and STEM education. Since 1983, more than 5,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and the teaching profession. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which manages PAEMST on behalf of the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), provides each awardee $10,000. For more information about the PAEMST program, please visit the website.
Below are Texas’s most recent finalists and recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Awardee profiles from all jurisdictions can be accessed via the PAEMST Awardees page.
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
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 Plano 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 the and .
- 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.
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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Foundation Team
Shawna Wiebusch
Foundation Director
Liz Baker
Science Content Specialist
Jenny Gaona
Social Studies Content Specialist
Tamara Robert
Reading Language Arts Content Specialist
James Slack
Mathematics Content Specialist