|
Thank you for subscribing to the TEA science newsletter. Today's newsletter provides information related to:
• TEKS in Focus
• PAEMST Updates
• Innovative Courses Updates
• National Academy of Science Education Award spotlight
• National STEM Challenge
• EPA environmental education grant
  Each month, the TEKS in Focus feature will focus on concepts or student expectations from the 2024 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The new science TEKS introduce standards focused on bringing engineering into the science classroom. Students should be able to identify the differences between science and engineering purposes. The table below highlights changes made to TEKS involving student development and use of models. The new expectations increase the variety of situations in which students use models; adding the expectation that students use models to represent solutions to engineering problems and as part of scientific and engineering explanations.
| |
Current Science TEKS
|
TEKS Implementing in 2024
|
|
Elementary
|
2.4 The student uses age-appropriate tools and models to investigate the natural world
|
2.2.A identify basic advantages and limitations of models such as their size, properties, and materials;
2.3.A develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models;
|
|
Middle School
|
6.3.B use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth's layers;
6.3.C identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials
|
6.1.G develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to engineering problems
6.2.A identify advantages and limitations of models such as their size, scale, properties, and materials
6.3.A develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models and consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories
|
|
High School
|
BIO.3.E evaluate models according to their limitations in representing biological objects or events; and
|
BIO.1.G develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to engineering problems
BIO.2.A identify advantages and limitations of models such as their size, scale, properties, and materials
BIO.3.A develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models and consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories
|
Changes in Developing and Using Models
Students currently learn to represent the natural world using models and analyze models for advantages and limitations as scientists. Recognizing the purpose of the work is the key to distinguishing scientific practice from engineering design; scientists explain phenomena, and engineers solve problems related to phenomena. Scientists use models to explore the interdependence of parts within a system and to develop explanations about the phenomenon observed. Engineers use models, specifically prototypes, to test their designs related to solving an engineering problem. In both science and engineering, students are now asked to develop models and use them as evidence to support a claim or to justify a solution.
|
Adjusting Practice
While students are learning and asking questions about new science ideas, teachers can encourage them to develop models that will help them understand or explain a phenomenon or provide a prototype of a design that can be tested. Teachers should continually ask questions such as “What does this model allow me to see?” and “What does this model not allow me to see?” Students should be encouraged to share the limitations and advantages of the model when using it as evidence to support their explanation or solution.
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purpose of TEKS in Focus: Each month, a concept or strand of student expectations is highlighted to enhance vertical TEKS alignment, rigor, and collective efficacy. The area of focus is not intended to suggest sequencing or pacing but rather to support an overall understanding of the changes to the TEKS. The information supplied can be considered when content is relevant to classroom needs.
PAEMST Updates
2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST): Thank a teacher
Tell an experienced teacher that they are doing work worthy of national recognition.
The 2023–2024 nomination and application windows for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are now open. Teachers of grades K–6 mathematics and science are encouraged to sign up to apply. The PAEMST awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The nomination window is open. Teachers may be nominated for the award or may apply themselves at www.paemst.org. If you know great teachers, encourage them to join this prestigious network of professionals. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by the application deadline will receive 25 continuing professional education (CPE) hours.
For questions, contact the Math and Science Team at tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov or 512-463-9581.
*******************************************************************************************************
2024 PAEMST REVIEWERS SOUGHT
We are currently accepting applications for reviewers for the 2023 – 2024 PAEMST award cycle.
This year, the program recognizes grades K–6 teachers who teach mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, or technology. We are looking for reviewers with expertise in these fields. Further, we have received applications in this cycle from teachers who teach emergent bilingual students and need reviewers who understand Spanish or another language other than English.
We will provide training in early January. Reviews will be done over the internet between February 9 and March 4, 2024. Typically, reviewers receive five applications and can work through them on their schedule within this window.
Typically, we seek district personnel, mathematics consultants, content specialist, or administrators. However, through the years, we have come to realize that this is a terrific opportunity for people who are curious about the award, may not be eligible yet, or want to expand their horizons.
*******************************************************************************************************
Former PAEMST Award Winners Share Their Expertise
PAEMST winners have been honored for their excellence in STEM education and are sharing their PAEMST experience and STEM expertise with the public. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, these webinars are intended to inspire excellence in STEM education and encourage attendees to nominate an educator to be recognized for the positive difference they make in STEM education.
- November 2nd at 6:00–7:00pm ET: Zero Barriers to STEM Education, featuring 2019 Maryland Science awardee Hemalatha Bhaskaran. Register here.
- November 15th 6:00–7:00pm ET: Socially-Responsive Science Teaching: Building Our Next Generation's Leadership Capacity Through Authentic Science Practices and Creative Problem-Solving, with Dr. Kirstin Milks, 2019 Indiana Science awardee, and Dr. David Upegui, 2017 Rhode Island Science awardee. Register here.
Find out more at https://paemst.nsf.gov/ or send email to info@paemst.org
Updated Innovative Course Application Timeline
To benefit both innovative course applicants and LEAs who wish to implement innovative courses, the timeline for future innovative course application cycles has been updated. The updated timeline is designed to provide additional time for the following:
- Applicants to complete applications
- Applicants to receive local board approval
- Applicants to complete course pilots and analyze data
- Districts and open-enrollment charters to plan for innovative course implementation
Courses that are approved will be available for implementation beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
The updated innovative course application timeline has been posted on the TEA innovative courses webpage.
Webinars About Proposed Rule Changes and Updated Timeline
To highlight some of the changes for innovative courses that are under consideration by the State Board of Education (SBOE) at their meeting on November 14-17, 2023, the innovative courses team is hosting two webinars to explain the proposed rule updates and timeline. These sessions are primarily intended for stakeholders who are interested in submitting an innovative course application in the future.
Individuals who are interested in attending one of these webinars may select one of the two links below in order to register. Seats are limited.
National Academy of Science K-8 Place-Based Education Award spotlight
TEA congratulates Katie Doyle of Flour Bluff Independent School District in Corpus Christi, TX for being selected by the National Academy of Science for funding of their program, OCEANS (Oceanography, Conservation, Ecology, Arts, Nature, and Stewardship): Building Resilience Through Place-Based Learning.
OCEANS (Oceanography, Conservation, Ecology, Arts, Nature, and Stewardship): Building Resilience Through Place-Based Learning will be implemented in K-8 grades of Flour Bluff Independent School District, which is comprised primarily of minority students from economically disadvantaged homes who are at high risk of dropping out of the educational system. OCEANS will educate, inspire, and empower students, teachers, and community stakeholders to protect their environment. This will be achieved by 1) enriching learning with place-based citizen science/stewardship projects that build capacity with cross-generational knowledge from community partners; 2) integrating place-based OCEANS-themed curriculum in K-8 classrooms; 3) empowering older students to be environmental ambassadors to younger students through place-based, hands-on activities; and 4) drafting an Environmental Stewardship and Literacy Plan for the community that supports resiliency. OCEANS will complement formal state-wide education learning objectives and increase STEM literacy specific to our underrepresented community by developing a sense of community ownership and awareness of unique coastal resources.
As a courtesy to our readers, the following additional information has been included.
National STEM Challenge
Calling all young innovators in grades 6-12! Show your creativity and problem-solving skills by crafting a STEM project that tackles a real-world challenge. Choose from one of these themes and use the scientific method or engineering design process.
- Environmental Stewardship
- Future Foods
- Health and Medicine
- Powering the Planet
- Aerospace
- Tech for Good
The best projects from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories will become Challenge Finalists with the opportunity to advance to the next level by submitting a video in the second round. Up to 200 National Champions will win a trip to the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., on April 12-13, 2024. There, Champions will showcase their projects to some of our nation's most influential leaders. The Festival is co-presented by the U.S. Department of Education and EXPLR.
 |
|
Submissions are now open and close on November 12, 2023. For more information, visit NationalSTEMChallenge.com or scan the QR code. |
EPA environmental education grant
EPA Seeks Applicants for 2023 Environmental Education Grants
Up to $3.6 million in funding for locally focused environmental education grants is now available under the 2023 Environmental Education (EE) Local Grant Program. EPA will award grants in each of EPA’s 10 Regions, between $50,000-$100,000 each, for a total of 30-40 grants nationwide. The program includes support for projects that reflect the intersection of environmental issues with climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, preventing future water quality and human health issues, and other environmental topics.
“It is more important now than ever that we understand the environmental changes happening around us,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Investing in environmental education is investing in America’s future, and these grants will ensure that communities have access to quality tools to get involved – and stay involved – at a local level.”
Through this grant program, EPA intends to provide financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques, that will serve to increase environmental literacy and encourage behavior that will benefit the environment in local communities, especially underserved communities. This grant program recognizes underserved communities as high-poverty areas, persistent poverty counties, communities the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool identifies as disadvantaged communities, and Title I schools.
Visit the new EPA Grants Community Library of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the EE grant FAQ webpages to learn more about the current competition and the federal grant process. Find out background information on the EE Grants Program and resources for applicants on EPA’s EE Grant Homepage.
Applications are due on November 8, 2023, and the Notice of Funding Opportunities are now posted on www.grants.gov and the EE Grant Solicitation Notice webpage.
The Office of Environmental Education will also host at least one webinar during the open solicitation period on how to write a competitive application and to address commonly asked questions. Once confirmed, webinar registration details will be available on https://www.epa.gov/education/grants#webinar. Stay up to date on all EE grant information, including announcements related to upcoming webinar registration, by subscribing to the EE Grants Listserv.
For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.
Science Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
Curriculum Help Desk
(512) 463-9581
|
