April 2026 STEM Newsletter

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Texas Lone Start STEM

April 2026

PK–12 STEM Newsletter

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Texas STEM Announcements

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New STEM Toolkit Resources: Developing an Engineering Design Challenge Grades 6–8

These resources support grades 6–8 educators when developing an Engineering Design Challenge. 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.  

Grade 6 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 7 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)
Grade 8 Developing an Engineering Design Challenge (PDF)

Previously Shared

Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Application Window is Open

Through a partnership between the Texas Education Agency (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 kindergarten through grade 8 students and teachers. 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. Apply on the STEM web page. 

Texas EcosySTEM

Teacher Badges

Texas EcosySTEM  Professional Development

 

 

Statewide STEM Teacher Training (A TEALearn Badge can be earned for this training.)

This professional development prepares teachers for successful implementation of STEM instruction in their classrooms by immersing teachers directly in the role of STEM learner, engaging first-hand in high-impact STEM practices such as project-based learning, design-based challenges, and computational thinking.

Upcoming Events

Texas Mobile STEM Lab April Visits

Region 4: Digital Learning Conference April 17, 2026 Registration

Region 4: STEM Conference May 6, 2026 Registration

Region 19: STEAM Conference May 21, 2026 Registration

Michelle Sedberry

Contact Information

Michelle Sedberry Statewide STEM Coordinator Texas Education Agency

Texas EcosySTEM STEM Leads, Education Service Centers 

STEM Lead Contact Information

 

Texas Education Agency Curriculum Standards and Student Support For general curriculum questions or additional information, please submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.                

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STEM Newsletter Subscription

If you would like to receive this newsletter monthly, please subscribe to Pre-K–12 STEM via this link: Newsletter Subscription.

Other newsletters you may be interested in are Science List, Mathematics, and Technology Applications.


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Childress

The Texas Mobile STEM Labs were busy traveling the state during March, serving 35 campuses. Some of our campus administrators reached out to share their experiences with the state.

Region 16 Childress ISD:
The Mobile STEM Lab brought learning to life at our school! Through exciting hands-on challenges, students strengthened their problem-solving skills, worked as a team, and discovered just how fun STEM can be.—Tracey Blake, Principal

Region 12 Kerens ISD:
The Texas Mobile STEM Lab was an incredible experience for both our teachers and students. Our students were highly engaged in the hands-on learning opportunities, and the instructors did an excellent job connecting with them and making the content meaningful and accessible. It was evident that a lot of thought and care went into the design of the lessons and activities. Our campus truly enjoyed the experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bring such an innovative learning environment to our students.—Brittany Mathis, Principal

Region 1 Laredo ISD:
The Texas STEM Mobile Lab provided an outstanding hands-on learning experience for our students. The activities were highly engaging and sparked creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. Our students were excited, focused, and fully immersed in learning from start to finish.—Michelle Lopez, Principal

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Region 13 Leander ISD:

The Texas Mobile STEM Lab was a truly unique opportunity for our students at Charlotte Cox Elementary. It provided an engaging, hands-on environment where students collaborated, problem-solved, and experienced STEM learning through authentic challenges. The knowledgeable staff supported students in understanding and applying the engineering design process, and it was exciting to see the students' curiosity sparked as they worked as engineers.—Kelly Fitzgerald, Principal

Region 10 La Academia de Estrellas ISD:

The STEM Lab was a great success with our students. They enjoyed the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning while exploring concepts in science, engineering, and budgeting.—Claire Forrester, Principal


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Texas Mobile STEM Lab April Visits:

Region 2 Education Service Area: Alice ISD, Three Rivers ISD
Region 3 Education Service Area: Runge ISD, Kenedy ISD, Victoria ISD
Region 4 Education Service Area: Klein ISD
Region 5 Education Service Area: Vidor ISD
Region 7 Education Service Area: Douglass ISD, Mount Enterprise ISD, Hallsville ISD, Longview ISD
Region 9 Education Service Area: Prairie Valley ISD, Nocona ISD
Region 10 Education Service Area: Duncanville ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, Greenville ISD
Region 11 Education Service Area: Sanger ISD
Region 13 Education Service Area: Manor ISD, Marble Falls ISD, Jarrell ISD
Region 15 Education Service Area: Crane ISD
Region 17 Education Service Area: Brownfield ISD, Ropes ISD
Region 18 Education Service Area: Big Spring ISD


STEM Program Highlights

School systems are invited to submit STEM events or programs for inclusion in the STEM newsletter. To be considered for publication, please send a brief description along with a photo to michelle.sedberry@tea.texas.gov.

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