April 29, 2024 Science Newsletter

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Texas Education Agency

April 29, 2024

Science Newsletter

Two students in a science lab

Thank you for subscribing to the TEA science newsletter. Today's newsletter provides information related to: 

  • TEKS Guide
  • TEKS In Focus
  • TEA Engagement Opportunities

Additional information is included as a courtesy to educators:

  • Funding Opportunity from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

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Science TEKS Guide Coming Soon

The Science TEKS Guide will launch in May to provide science educators across the state with a common understanding of the new science standards, including connections between recurring themes and concepts and science content standards. TEA will soon announce summer webinars and office hours to support educators in navigating the TEKS Guide and using the components effectively. Stay tuned for more information.

sample of the TEKS Guide for Science.K.13.B

a screenshot from the Science TEKS Guide for K.13.B showing the detailed explanation and glossary support rollovers available.


TEKS in Focus

TEKS in Focus highlights key concepts and student expectations to assist educators in implementing the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). A clear understanding of the changes taking place in science TEKS for the 2024 school year can directly impact student success. TEKS in Focus will highlight those changes along a vertical continuum from elementary school to high school for specific key concepts.

There are a few important changes within the key concepts of physical and chemical properties for elementary. While many changes occurred, adding specificity to all grade levels, significant changes occurred within the grade 6 student expectations and Chemistry student expectations, moving many concepts to other grade levels.  The properties of water were added to grade 8. For a complete view of the vertical changes within the study of physical and chemical properties, download the full TEKS in Focus for April.

April TEKS in Focus image

a partial screenshot of the TEKS In Focus: vertical alignment of physical and chemical properties

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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. 


Engagement Opportunities

We value our partners in the field and want to stay connected! Whether through site visits, review opportunities, or focus groups, we offer various ways for you to connect with TEA and contribute to the field of education. If you are interested in participating in engagement opportunities, fill out our interest form!


As a courtesy to our readers, the following additional information has been included.

 

Funding Opportunity from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) aims to increase the scientific and environmental literacy and problem-solving skills of youth in the Gulf of Mexico region. This funding opportunity will support the next generation of STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) leaders who will be needed to confront the complex challenges to human health and the environment in the 21st century. 

Specifically, the GRP is seeking proposals that provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM in the exploration and examination of environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico region. The GRP will accept proposals from nonprofits and community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, which provide programs for youth in grades 9-12.

Key Dates

  • February 28, 2024: Online proposal submission opens
  • March 18, 2024: Funding Opportunity Question & Answer Office Hours; 1:00 - 3:00pm Central / 2:00 - 4:00 pm Eastern (see below for FAQ)
  • May 7, 2024: Grant Submission Help Hours; 12:00 - 3:00 pm Central / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern (Zoom link will be sent to active applicants)
  • May 8, 2024: Deadline for submissions of proposals due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern
  • July-August 2024: Award selection and notification
  • October 1, 2024: Anticipated funding start date

Online submission website: https://gulfresearchprogram.smapply.io/

For FAQ, more information, and to review the full Request for Applications, please visit the program website.


Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

Science Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division

Curriculum Help Desk
(512) 463-9581