Chapter112.

TexasEssentialKnowledgeandSkillsforScience
SubchapterA.Elementary
StatutoryAuthority:TheprovisionsofthisSubchapterAissuedundertheTexasEducationCode,
7.102(c)(4)and28.002,unlessotherwisenoted.
112.10.ImplementationofTexasEssentialKnowledgeandSkillsforScience,Elementary,Beginningwith
SchoolYear20102011.
Theprovisionsof112.11112.16ofthissubchaptershallbeimplementedbyschooldistrictsbeginningwith
the20102011schoolyear.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.10adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063amendedtobe
effectiveAugust24,2010,35TexReg7230.
112.11.Science,Kindergarten,BeginningwithSchoolYear20102011.
(a)Introduction.
(1)Science,asdefinedbytheNationalAcademyofSciences,isthe"useofevidencetoconstruct
testableexplanationsandpredictionsofnaturalphenomena,aswellastheknowledgegeneratedthrough
thisprocess."
(2)Recurringthemesarepervasiveinsciences,mathematics,andtechnology.Theseideastranscend
disciplinaryboundariesandincludepatterns,cycles,systems,models,andchangeandconstancy.
(3)Thestudyofelementaryscienceincludesplanningandsafelyimplementingclassroomandoutdoor
investigationsusingscientificprocesses,includinginquirymethods,analyzinginformation,making
informeddecisions,andusingtoolstocollectandrecordinformation,whileaddressingthemajor
conceptsandvocabulary,inthecontextofphysical,earth,andlifesciences.Districtsareencouragedto
facilitateclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsforatleast80%ofinstructionaltime.
(4)InKindergarten,studentsobserveanddescribethenaturalworldusingtheirfivesenses.Studentsdo
scienceasinquiryinordertodevelopandenrichtheirabilitiestounderstandscientificconceptsand
processes.Studentsdevelopvocabularythroughtheirexperiencesinvestigatingpropertiesofcommon
objects,earthmaterials,andorganisms.
(A)Acentralthemethroughoutthestudyofscientificinvestigationandreasoningmatterand
energyforce,motion,andenergyEarthandspaceandorganismsandenvironmentisactive
engagementinaskingquestions,communicatingideas,andexploringwithscientifictools.
Scientificinvestigationandreasoninginvolvespracticingsafeprocedures,askingquestionsabout
thenaturalworld,andseekinganswerstothosequestionsthroughsimpleobservationsand
descriptiveinvestigations.
(B)Matterisdescribedintermsofitsphysicalproperties,includingrelativesizeandmass,
shape,color,andtexture.Theimportanceoflight,heat,andsoundenergyisidentifiedasitrelates
tothestudents'everydaylife.Thelocationandmotionofobjectsareexplored.
(C)Weatherisrecordedanddiscussedonadailybasissostudentsmaybegintorecognize
patternsintheweather.Otherpatternsareobservedintheappearanceofobjectsinthesky.

(D)Inlifescience,studentsrecognizetheinterdependenceoforganismsinthenaturalworld.
Theyunderstandthatallorganismshavebasicneedsthatcanbesatisfiedthroughinteractions
withlivingandnonlivingthings.Studentswillinvestigatethelifecycleofplantsandidentify
likenessesbetweenparentsandoffspring.
(b)Knowledgeandskills.
(1)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentconductsclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations
followinghomeandschoolsafetyproceduresandusesenvironmentallyappropriateandresponsible
practices.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)identifyanddemonstratesafepracticesasdescribedintheTexasSafetyStandardsduring
classroomandoutdoorinvestigations,includingwearingsafetygoggles,washinghands,and
usingmaterialsappropriately
(B)discusstheimportanceofsafepracticestokeepselfandotherssafeandhealthyand
(C)demonstratehowtouse,conserve,anddisposeofnaturalresourcesandmaterialssuchas
conservingwaterandreusingorrecyclingpaper,plastic,andmetal.
(2)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentdevelopsabilitiestoaskquestionsandseek
answersinclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)askquestionsaboutorganisms,objects,andeventsobservedinthenaturalworld
(B)planandconductsimpledescriptiveinvestigationssuchaswaysobjectsmove
(C)collectdataandmakeobservationsusingsimpleequipmentsuchashandlenses,primary
balances,andnonstandardmeasurementtools
(D)recordandorganizedataandobservationsusingpictures,numbers,andwordsand
(E)communicateobservationswithothersaboutsimpledescriptiveinvestigations.
(3)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowsthatinformationandcriticalthinkingare
usedinscientificproblemsolving.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)identifyandexplainaproblemsuchastheimpactoflitteringontheplaygroundandpropose
asolutioninhis/herownwords
(B)makepredictionsbasedonobservablepatternsinnaturesuchastheshapesofleavesand
(C)explorethatscientistsinvestigatedifferentthingsinthenaturalworldandusetoolstohelpin
theirinvestigations.
(4)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusesageappropriatetoolsandmodelsto
investigatethenaturalworld.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)collectinformationusingtools,includingcomputers,handlenses,primarybalances,cups,
bowls,magnets,collectingnets,andnotebookstimingdevices,includingclocksandtimersnon
standardmeasuringitemssuchaspaperclipsandclothespinsweatherinstrumentssuchas
demonstrationthermometersandwindsocksandmaterialstosupportobservationsofhabitatsof
organismssuchasterrariumsandaquariumsand
(B)usesensesasatoolofobservationtoidentifypropertiesandpatternsoforganisms,objects,
andeventsintheenvironment.

(5)Matterandenergy.Thestudentknowsthatobjectshavepropertiesandpatterns.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)observeandrecordpropertiesofobjects,includingrelativesizeandmass,suchasbiggeror
smallerandheavierorlighter,shape,color,andtextureand
(B)observe,record,anddiscusshowmaterialscanbechangedbyheatingorcooling.
(6)Force,motion,andenergy.Thestudentknowsthatenergy,force,andmotionarerelatedandarea
partoftheireverydaylife.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)usethefivesensestoexploredifferentformsofenergysuchaslight,heat,andsound
(B)exploreinteractionsbetweenmagnetsandvariousmaterials
(C)observeanddescribethelocationofanobjectinrelationtoanothersuchasabove,below,
behind,infrontof,andbesideand
(D)observeanddescribethewaysthatobjectscanmovesuchasinastraightline,zigzag,upand
down,backandforth,roundandround,andfastandslow.
(7)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthatthenaturalworldincludesearthmaterials.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)observe,describe,compare,andsortrocksbysize,shape,color,andtexture
(B)observeanddescribephysicalpropertiesofnaturalsourcesofwater,includingcolorand
clarityand
(C)giveexamplesofwaysrocks,soil,andwaterareuseful.
(8)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthattherearerecognizablepatternsinthenaturalworldand
amongobjectsinthesky.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)observeanddescribeweatherchangesfromdaytodayandoverseasons
(B)identifyeventsthathaverepeatingpatterns,includingseasonsoftheyearanddayandnight
and
(C)observe,describe,andillustrateobjectsintheskysuchastheclouds,Moon,andstars,
includingtheSun.
(9)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatplantsandanimalshavebasicneedsand
dependonthelivingandnonlivingthingsaroundthemforsurvival.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)differentiatebetweenlivingandnonlivingthingsbaseduponwhethertheyhavebasicneeds
andproduceoffspringand
(B)examineevidencethatlivingorganismshavebasicneedssuchasfood,water,andshelterfor
animalsandair,water,nutrients,sunlight,andspaceforplants.
(10)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismsresembletheirparentsandhave
structuresandprocessesthathelpthemsurvivewithintheirenvironments.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)sortplantsandanimalsintogroupsbasedonphysicalcharacteristicssuchascolor,size,body
covering,orleafshape

(B)identifypartsofplantssuchasroots,stem,andleavesandpartsofanimalssuchashead,
eyes,andlimbs
(C)identifywaysthatyoungplantsresembletheparentplantand
(D)observechangesthatarepartofasimplelifecycleofaplant:seed,seedling,plant,flower,
andfruit.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.11adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063.
112.12.Science,Grade1,BeginningwithSchoolYear20102011.
(a)Introduction.
(1)Science,asdefinedbytheNationalAcademyofSciences,isthe"useofevidencetoconstruct
testableexplanationsandpredictionsofnaturalphenomena,aswellastheknowledgegeneratedthrough
thisprocess."
(2)Recurringthemesarepervasiveinsciences,mathematics,andtechnology.Theseideastranscend
disciplinaryboundariesandincludepatterns,cycles,systems,models,andchangeandconstancy.
(3)Thestudyofelementaryscienceincludesplanningandsafelyimplementingclassroomandoutdoor
investigationsusingscientificprocesses,includinginquirymethods,analyzinginformation,making
informeddecisions,andusingtoolstocollectandrecordinformation,whileaddressingthemajor
conceptsandvocabulary,inthecontextofphysical,earth,andlifesciences.Districtsareencouragedto
facilitateclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsforatleast80%ofinstructionaltime.
(4)InGrade1,studentsobserveanddescribethenaturalworldusingtheirfivesenses.Studentsdo
scienceasinquiryinordertodevelopandenrichtheirabilitiestounderstandtheworldaroundthemin
thecontextofscientificconceptsandprocesses.Studentsdevelopvocabularythroughtheirexperiences
investigatingpropertiesofcommonobjects,earthmaterials,andorganisms.
(A)Acentralthemeinfirstgradescienceisactiveengagementinaskingquestions,
communicatingideas,andexploringwithscientifictoolsinordertoexplainscientificconcepts
andprocesseslikescientificinvestigationandreasoningmatterandenergyforce,motion,and
energyEarthandspaceandorganismsandenvironment.Scientificinvestigationandreasoning
involvespracticingsafeprocedures,askingquestionsaboutthenaturalworld,andseeking
answerstothosequestionsthroughsimpleobservationsanddescriptiveinvestigations.
(B)Matterisdescribedintermsofitsphysicalproperties,includingrelativesizeandmass,
shape,color,andtexture.Theimportanceoflight,heat,andsoundenergyisidentifiedasitrelates
tothestudents'everydaylife.Thelocationandmotionofobjectsareexplored.
(C)Weatherisrecordedanddiscussedonadailybasissostudentsmaybegintorecognize
patternsintheweather.Inaddition,patternsareobservedintheappearanceofobjectsinthesky.
(D)Inlifescience,studentsrecognizetheinterdependenceoforganismsinthenaturalworld.
Theyunderstandthatallorganismshavebasicneedsthatcanbesatisfiedthroughinteractions
withlivingandnonlivingthings.Studentswillinvestigatelifecyclesofanimalsandidentify
likenessesbetweenparentsandoffspring.
(b)Knowledgeandskills.
(1)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentconductsclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations
followinghomeandschoolsafetyproceduresandusesenvironmentallyappropriateandresponsible

practices.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)recognizeanddemonstratesafepracticesasdescribedintheTexasSafetyStandardsduring
classroomandoutdoorinvestigations,includingwearingsafetygoggles,washinghands,and
usingmaterialsappropriately
(B)recognizetheimportanceofsafepracticestokeepselfandotherssafeandhealthyand
(C)identifyandlearnhowtousenaturalresourcesandmaterials,includingconservationand
reuseorrecyclingofpaper,plastic,andmetals.
(2)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentdevelopsabilitiestoaskquestionsandseek
answersinclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)askquestionsaboutorganisms,objects,andeventsobservedinthenaturalworld
(B)planandconductsimpledescriptiveinvestigationssuchaswaysobjectsmove
(C)collectdataandmakeobservationsusingsimpleequipmentsuchashandlenses,primary
balances,andnonstandardmeasurementtools
(D)recordandorganizedatausingpictures,numbers,andwordsand
(E)communicateobservationsandprovidereasonsforexplanationsusingstudentgenerateddata
fromsimpledescriptiveinvestigations.
(3)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowsthatinformationandcriticalthinkingare
usedinscientificproblemsolving.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)identifyandexplainaproblemsuchasfindingahomeforaclassroompetandproposea
solutioninhis/herownwords
(B)makepredictionsbasedonobservablepatternsand
(C)describewhatscientistsdo.
(4)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusesageappropriatetoolsandmodelsto
investigatethenaturalworld.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)collect,record,andcompareinformationusingtools,includingcomputers,handlenses,
primarybalances,cups,bowls,magnets,collectingnets,notebooks,andsafetygogglestiming
devices,includingclocksandtimersnonstandardmeasuringitemssuchaspaperclipsand
clothespinsweatherinstrumentssuchasclassroomdemonstrationthermometersandwindsocks
andmaterialstosupportobservationsofhabitatsoforganismssuchasaquariumsandterrariums
and
(B)measureandcompareorganismsandobjectsusingnonstandardunits.
(5)Matterandenergy.Thestudentknowsthatobjectshavepropertiesandpatterns.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)classifyobjectsbyobservablepropertiesofthematerialsfromwhichtheyaremadesuchas
largerandsmaller,heavierandlighter,shape,color,andtextureand
(B)predictandidentifychangesinmaterialscausedbyheatingandcoolingsuchasicemelting,
waterfreezing,andwaterevaporating.

(6)Force,motion,andenergy.Thestudentknowsthatforce,motion,andenergyarerelatedandarea
partofeverydaylife.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)identifyanddiscusshowdifferentformsofenergysuchaslight,heat,andsoundare
importanttoeverydaylife
(B)predictanddescribehowamagnetcanbeusedtopushorpullanobject
(C)describethechangeinthelocationofanobjectsuchascloserto,nearerto,andfartherfrom
and
(D)demonstrateandrecordthewaysthatobjectscanmovesuchasinastraightline,zigzag,up
anddown,backandforth,roundandround,andfastandslow.
(7)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthatthenaturalworldincludesrocks,soil,andwaterthatcanbe
observedincycles,patterns,andsystems.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)observe,compare,describe,andsortcomponentsofsoilbysize,texture,andcolor
(B)identifyanddescribeavarietyofnaturalsourcesofwater,includingstreams,lakes,and
oceansand
(C)gatherevidenceofhowrocks,soil,andwaterhelptomakeusefulproducts.
(8)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthatthenaturalworldincludestheairaroundusandobjectsin
thesky.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)recordweatherinformation,includingrelativetemperature,suchashotorcold,clearor
cloudy,calmorwindy,andrainyoricy
(B)observeandrecordchangesintheappearanceofobjectsintheskysuchasclouds,theMoon,
andstars,includingtheSun
(C)identifycharacteristicsoftheseasonsoftheyearanddayandnightand
(D)demonstratethatairisallaroundusandobservethatwindismovingair.
(9)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatthelivingenvironmentiscomposedof
relationshipsbetweenorganismsandthelifecyclesthatoccur.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)sortandclassifylivingandnonlivingthingsbaseduponwhetherornottheyhavebasicneeds
andproduceoffspring
(B)analyzeandrecordexamplesofinterdependencefoundinvarioussituationssuchas
terrariumsandaquariumsorpetandcaregiverand
(C)gatherevidenceofinterdependenceamonglivingorganismssuchasenergytransferthrough
foodchainsandanimalsusingplantsforshelter.
(10)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismsresembletheirparentsandhave
structuresandprocessesthathelpthemsurvivewithintheirenvironments.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)investigatehowtheexternalcharacteristicsofananimalarerelatedtowhereitlives,howit
moves,andwhatiteats
(B)identifyandcomparethepartsofplants

(C)comparewaysthatyounganimalsresembletheirparentsand
(D)observeandrecordlifecyclesofanimalssuchasachicken,frog,orfish.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.12adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063.
112.13.Science,Grade2,BeginningwithSchoolYear20102011.
(a)Introduction.
(1)Science,asdefinedbytheNationalAcademyofSciences,isthe"useofevidencetoconstruct
testableexplanationsandpredictionsofnaturalphenomena,aswellastheknowledgegeneratedthrough
thisprocess."
(2)Recurringthemesarepervasiveinsciences,mathematics,andtechnology.Theseideastranscend
disciplinaryboundariesandincludepatterns,cycles,systems,models,andchangeandconstancy.
(3)Thestudyofelementaryscienceincludesplanningandsafelyimplementingclassroomandoutdoor
investigationsusingscientificprocesses,includinginquirymethods,analyzinginformation,making
informeddecisions,andusingtoolstocollectandrecordinformation,whileaddressingthemajor
conceptsandvocabulary,inthecontextofphysical,earth,andlifesciences.Districtsareencouragedto
facilitateclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsforatleast60%ofinstructionaltime.
(4)InGrade2,carefulobservationandinvestigationareusedtolearnaboutthenaturalworldandreveal
patterns,changes,andcycles.Studentsshouldunderstandthatcertaintypesofquestionscanbeanswered
byusingobservationandinvestigationsandthattheinformationgatheredinthesemaychangeasnew
observationsaremade.Asstudentsparticipateininvestigation,theydeveloptheskillsnecessarytodo
scienceaswellasdevelopnewscienceconcepts.
(A)Withinthephysicalenvironment,studentsexpandtheirunderstandingofthepropertiesof
objectssuchasshape,mass,temperature,andflexibilitythenusethosepropertiestocompare,
classify,andthencombinetheobjectstodosomethingthattheycouldnotdobefore.Students
manipulateobjectstodemonstrateachangeinmotionandposition.
(B)Withinthenaturalenvironment,studentswillobservethepropertiesofearthmaterialsaswell
aspredictablepatternsthatoccuronEarthandinthesky.Thestudentsunderstandthatthose
patternsareusedtomakechoicesinclothing,activities,andtransportation.
(C)Withinthelivingenvironment,studentsexplorepatterns,systems,andcyclesby
investigatingcharacteristicsoforganisms,lifecycles,andinteractionsamongallthecomponents
withintheirhabitat.Studentsexaminehowlivingorganismsdependoneachotherandontheir
environment.
(b)Knowledgeandskills.
(1)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentconductsclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations
followinghomeandschoolsafetyprocedures.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)identifyanddemonstratesafepracticesasdescribedintheTexasSafetyStandardsduring
classroomandoutdoorinvestigations,includingwearingsafetygoggles,washinghands,and
usingmaterialsappropriately
(B)describetheimportanceofsafepracticesand

(C)identifyanddemonstratehowtouse,conserve,anddisposeofnaturalresourcesandmaterials
suchasconservingwaterandreuseorrecyclingofpaper,plastic,andmetal.
(2)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentdevelopsabilitiesnecessarytodoscientific
inquiryinclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)askquestionsaboutorganisms,objects,andeventsduringobservationsandinvestigations
(B)planandconductdescriptiveinvestigationssuchashoworganismsgrow
(C)collectdatafromobservationsusingsimpleequipmentsuchashandlenses,primary
balances,thermometers,andnonstandardmeasurementtools
(D)recordandorganizedatausingpictures,numbers,andwords
(E)communicateobservationsandjustifyexplanationsusingstudentgenerateddatafromsimple
descriptiveinvestigationsand
(F)compareresultsofinvestigationswithwhatstudentsandscientistsknowabouttheworld.
(3)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowsthatinformationandcriticalthinking,
scientificproblemsolving,andthecontributionsofscientistsareusedinmakingdecisions.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)identifyandexplainaprobleminhis/herownwordsandproposeataskandsolutionforthe
problemsuchaslackofwaterinahabitat
(B)makepredictionsbasedonobservablepatternsand
(C)identifywhatascientistisandexplorewhatdifferentscientistsdo.
(4)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusesageappropriatetoolsandmodelsto
investigatethenaturalworld.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)collect,record,andcompareinformationusingtools,includingcomputers,handlenses,
rulers,primarybalances,plasticbeakers,magnets,collectingnets,notebooks,andsafetygoggles
timingdevices,includingclocksandstopwatchesweatherinstrumentssuchasthermometers,
windvanes,andraingaugesandmaterialstosupportobservationsofhabitatsoforganismssuch
asterrariumsandaquariumsand
(B)measureandcompareorganismsandobjectsusingnonstandardunitsthatapproximate
metricunits.
(5)Matterandenergy.Thestudentknowsthatmatterhasphysicalpropertiesandthoseproperties
determinehowitisdescribed,classified,changed,andused.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)classifymatterbyphysicalproperties,includingshape,relativemass,relativetemperature,
texture,flexibility,andwhethermaterialisasolidorliquid
(B)comparechangesinmaterialscausedbyheatingandcooling
(C)demonstratethatthingscanbedonetomaterialstochangetheirphysicalpropertiessuchas
cutting,folding,sanding,andmeltingand
(D)combinematerialsthatwhenputtogethercandothingsthattheycannotdobythemselves
suchasbuildingatowerorabridgeandjustifytheselectionofthosematerialsbasedontheir

physicalproperties.
(6)Force,motion,andenergy.Thestudentknowsthatforcescausechangeandenergyexistsinmany
forms.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)investigatetheeffectsonanobjectbyincreasingordecreasingamountsoflight,heat,and
soundenergysuchashowthecolorofanobjectappearsdifferentindimmerlightorhowheat
meltsbutter
(B)observeandidentifyhowmagnetsareusedineverydaylife
(C)tracethechangesinthepositionofanobjectovertimesuchasacuprollingonthefloorand
acarrollingdownarampand
(D)comparepatternsofmovementofobjectssuchassliding,rolling,andspinning.
(7)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthatthenaturalworldincludesearthmaterials.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)observeanddescriberocksbysize,texture,andcolor
(B)identifyandcomparethepropertiesofnaturalsourcesoffreshwaterandsaltwaterand
(C)distinguishbetweennaturalandmanmaderesources.
(8)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthattherearerecognizablepatternsinthenaturalworldand
amongobjectsinthesky.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)measure,record,andgraphweatherinformation,includingtemperature,windconditions,
precipitation,andcloudcoverage,inordertoidentifypatternsinthedata
(B)identifytheimportanceofweatherandseasonalinformationtomakechoicesinclothing,
activities,andtransportation
(C)exploretheprocessesinthewatercycle,includingevaporation,condensation,and
precipitation,asconnectedtoweatherconditionsand
(D)observe,describe,andrecordpatternsofobjectsinthesky,includingtheappearanceofthe
Moon.
(9)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatlivingorganismshavebasicneedsthatmustbe
metforthemtosurvivewithintheirenvironment.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)identifythebasicneedsofplantsandanimals
(B)identifyfactorsintheenvironment,includingtemperatureandprecipitation,thataffect
growthandbehaviorsuchasmigration,hibernation,anddormancyoflivingthingsand
(C)compareandgiveexamplesofthewayslivingorganismsdependoneachotherandontheir
environmentssuchasfoodchainswithinagarden,park,beach,lake,andwoodedarea.
(10)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismsresembletheirparentsandhave
structuresandprocessesthathelpthemsurvivewithintheirenvironments.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)observe,record,andcomparehowthephysicalcharacteristicsandbehaviorsofanimalshelp
themmeettheirbasicneedssuchasfinshelpfishmoveandbalanceinthewater

(B)observe,record,andcomparehowthephysicalcharacteristicsofplantshelpthemmeettheir
basicneedssuchasstemscarrywaterthroughouttheplantand
(C)investigateandrecordsomeoftheuniquestagesthatinsectsundergoduringtheirlifecycle.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.13adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063.
112.14.Science,Grade3,BeginningwithSchoolYear20102011.
(a)Introduction.
(1)Science,asdefinedbytheNationalAcademyofSciences,isthe"useofevidencetoconstruct
testableexplanationsandpredictionsofnaturalphenomena,aswellastheknowledgegeneratedthrough
thisprocess."
(2)Recurringthemesarepervasiveinsciences,mathematics,andtechnology.Theseideastranscend
disciplinaryboundariesandincludepatterns,cycles,systems,models,andchangeandconstancy.
(3)Thestudyofelementaryscienceincludesplanningandsafelyimplementingclassroomandoutdoor
investigationsusingscientificmethods,analyzinginformation,makinginformeddecisions,andusing
toolstocollectandrecordinformationwhileaddressingthecontentandvocabularyinphysical,earth,
andlifesciences.Districtsareencouragedtofacilitateclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsforatleast
60%ofinstructionaltime.
(4)InGrade3,studentslearnthatthestudyofscienceusesappropriatetoolsandsafepracticesin
planningandimplementinginvestigations,askingandansweringquestions,collectingdatabyobserving
andmeasuring,andbyusingmodelstosupportscientificinquiryaboutthenaturalworld.
(A)Studentsrecognizethatpatterns,relationships,andcyclesexistinmatter.Studentswill
investigatethephysicalpropertiesofmatterandwilllearnthatchangesoccur.Theyexplore
mixturesandinvestigatelight,sound,andheat/thermalenergyineverydaylife.Students
manipulateobjectsbypushingandpullingtodemonstratechangesinmotionandposition.
(B)StudentsinvestigatehowthesurfaceofEarthchangesandprovidesresourcesthathumans
use.Asstudentsexploreobjectsinthesky,theydescribehowrelationshipsaffectpatternsand
cyclesonEarth.StudentswillconstructmodelstodemonstrateSun,Earth,andMoonsystem
relationshipsandwilldescribetheSun'sroleinthewatercycle.
(C)Studentsexplorepatterns,systems,andcycleswithinenvironmentsbyinvestigating
characteristicsoforganisms,lifecycles,andinteractionsamongallcomponentsofthenatural
environment.Studentsexaminehowtheenvironmentplaysakeyroleinsurvival.Studentsknow
thatwhenchangesintheenvironmentoccurorganismsmaythrive,becomeill,orperish.
(b)Knowledgeandskills.
(1)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentconductsclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations
followingschoolandhomesafetyproceduresandenvironmentallyappropriatepractices.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)demonstratesafepracticesasdescribedintheTexasSafetyStandardsduringclassroomand
outdoorinvestigations,includingobservingaschoolyardhabitatand
(B)makeinformedchoicesintheuseandconservationofnaturalresourcesbyrecyclingor
reusingmaterialssuchaspaper,aluminumcans,andplastics.

(2)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusesscientificinquirymethodsduringlaboratory
andoutdoorinvestigations.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)planandimplementdescriptiveinvestigations,includingaskingandansweringquestions,
makinginferences,andselectingandusingequipmentortechnologyneeded,tosolveaspecific
probleminthenaturalworld
(B)collectdatabyobservingandmeasuringusingthemetricsystemandrecognizedifferences
betweenobservedandmeasureddata
(C)constructmaps,graphicorganizers,simpletables,charts,andbargraphsusingtoolsand
currenttechnologytoorganize,examine,andevaluatemeasureddata
(D)analyzeandinterpretpatternsindatatoconstructreasonableexplanationsbasedonevidence
frominvestigations
(E)demonstratethatrepeatedinvestigationsmayincreasethereliabilityofresultsand
(F)communicatevalidconclusionssupportedbydatainwriting,bydrawingpictures,and
throughverbaldiscussion.
(3)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowsthatinformation,criticalthinking,
scientificproblemsolving,andthecontributionsofscientistsareusedinmakingdecisions.Thestudentis
expectedto:
(A)inallfieldsofscience,analyze,evaluate,andcritiquescientificexplanationsbyusing
empiricalevidence,logicalreasoning,andexperimentalandobservationaltesting,including
examiningallsidesofscientificevidenceofthosescientificexplanations,soastoencourage
criticalthinkingbythestudent
(B)drawinferencesandevaluateaccuracyofproductclaimsfoundinadvertisementsandlabels
suchasfortoysandfood
(C)representthenaturalworldusingmodelssuchasvolcanoesorSun,Earth,andMoonsystem
andidentifytheirlimitations,includingsize,properties,andmaterialsand
(D)connectgradelevelappropriatescienceconceptswiththehistoryofscience,sciencecareers,
andcontributionsofscientists.
(4)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowshowtouseavarietyoftoolsandmethods
toconductscienceinquiry.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)collect,record,andanalyzeinformationusingtools,includingmicroscopes,cameras,
computers,handlenses,metricrulers,Celsiusthermometers,windvanes,raingauges,pan
balances,graduatedcylinders,beakers,springscales,hotplates,metersticks,compasses,
magnets,collectingnets,notebooks,soundrecorders,andSun,Earth,andMoonsystemmodels
timingdevices,includingclocksandstopwatchesandmaterialstosupportobservationofhabitats
oforganismssuchasterrariumsandaquariumsand
(B)usesafetyequipmentasappropriate,includingsafetygogglesandgloves.
(5)Matterandenergy.Thestudentknowsthatmatterhasmeasurablephysicalpropertiesandthose
propertiesdeterminehowmatterisclassified,changed,andused.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)measure,test,andrecordphysicalpropertiesofmatter,includingtemperature,mass,
magnetism,andtheabilitytosinkorfloat

(B)describeandclassifysamplesofmatterassolids,liquids,andgasesanddemonstratethat
solidshaveadefiniteshapeandthatliquidsandgasestaketheshapeoftheircontainer
(C)predict,observe,andrecordchangesinthestateofmattercausedbyheatingorcoolingand
(D)exploreandrecognizethatamixtureiscreatedwhentwomaterialsarecombinedsuchas
gravelandsandandmetalandplasticpaperclips.
(6)Force,motion,andenergy.Thestudentknowsthatforcescausechangeandthatenergyexistsin
manyforms.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)exploredifferentformsofenergy,includingmechanical,light,sound,andheat/thermalin
everydaylife
(B)demonstrateandobservehowpositionandmotioncanbechangedbypushingandpulling
objectstoshowworkbeingdonesuchasswings,balls,pulleys,andwagonsand
(C)observeforcessuchasmagnetismandgravityactingonobjects.
(7)Earthandspace.ThestudentknowsthatEarthconsistsofnaturalresourcesanditssurfaceis
constantlychanging.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)exploreandrecordhowsoilsareformedbyweatheringofrockandthedecompositionof
plantandanimalremains
(B)investigaterapidchangesinEarth'ssurfacesuchasvolcaniceruptions,earthquakes,and
landslides
(C)identifyandcomparedifferentlandforms,includingmountains,hills,valleys,andplainsand
(D)explorethecharacteristicsofnaturalresourcesthatmakethemusefulinproductsand
materialssuchasclothingandfurnitureandhowresourcesmaybeconserved.
(8)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowstherearerecognizablepatternsinthenaturalworldandamong
objectsinthesky.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)observe,measure,record,andcomparedaytodayweatherchangesindifferentlocationsat
thesametimethatincludeairtemperature,winddirection,andprecipitation
(B)describeandillustratetheSunasastarcomposedofgasesthatprovideslightandheatenergy
forthewatercycle
(C)constructmodelsthatdemonstratetherelationshipoftheSun,Earth,andMoon,including
orbitsandpositionsand
(D)identifytheplanetsinEarth'ssolarsystemandtheirpositioninrelationtotheSun.
(9)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismshavecharacteristicsthathelpthem
surviveandcandescribepatterns,cycles,systems,andrelationshipswithintheenvironments.The
studentisexpectedto:
(A)observeanddescribethephysicalcharacteristicsofenvironmentsandhowtheysupport
populationsandcommunitieswithinanecosystem
(B)identifyanddescribetheflowofenergyinafoodchainandpredicthowchangesinafood
chainaffecttheecosystemsuchasremovaloffrogsfromapondorbeesfromafieldand

(C)describeenvironmentalchangessuchasfloodsanddroughtswheresomeorganismsthrive
andothersperishormovetonewlocations.
(10)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismsundergosimilarlifeprocessesand
havestructuresthathelpthemsurvivewithintheirenvironments.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)explorehowstructuresandfunctionsofplantsandanimalsallowthemtosurviveina
particularenvironment
(B)explorethatsomecharacteristicsoforganismsareinheritedsuchasthenumberoflimbson
ananimalorflowercolorandrecognizethatsomebehaviorsarelearnedinresponsetolivingina
certainenvironmentsuchasanimalsusingtoolstogetfoodand
(C)investigateandcomparehowanimalsandplantsundergoaseriesoforderlychangesintheir
diverselifecyclessuchastomatoplants,frogs,andladybugs.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.14adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063.
112.15.Science,Grade4,BeginningwithSchoolYear20102011.
(a)Introduction.
(1)Science,asdefinedbytheNationalAcademyofSciences,isthe"useofevidencetoconstruct
testableexplanationsandpredictionsofnaturalphenomena,aswellastheknowledgegeneratedthrough
thisprocess."
(2)Recurringthemesarepervasiveinsciences,mathematics,andtechnology.Theseideastranscend
disciplinaryboundariesandincludepatterns,cycles,systems,models,andchangeandconstancy.
(3)Thestudyofelementaryscienceincludesplanningandsafelyimplementingclassroomandoutdoor
investigationsusingscientificprocesses,includinginquirymethods,analyzinginformation,making
informeddecisions,andusingtoolstocollectandrecordinformation,whileaddressingthemajor
conceptsandvocabulary,inthecontextofphysical,earth,andlifesciences.Districtsareencouragedto
facilitateclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsforatleast50%ofinstructionaltime.
(4)InGrade4,investigationsareusedtolearnaboutthenaturalworld.Studentsshouldunderstandthat
certaintypesofquestionscanbeansweredbyinvestigationsandthatmethods,models,andconclusions
builtfromtheseinvestigationschangeasnewobservationsaremade.Modelsofobjectsandeventsare
toolsforunderstandingthenaturalworldandcanshowhowsystemswork.Theyhavelimitationsand
basedonnewdiscoveriesareconstantlybeingmodifiedtomorecloselyreflectthenaturalworld.
(A)Withinthenaturalenvironment,studentsknowthatearthmaterialshavepropertiesthatare
constantlychangingduetoEarth'sforces.Thestudentslearnthatthenaturalworldconsistsof
resources,includingrenewableandnonrenewable,andtheirresponsibilitytoconserveournatural
resourcesforfuturegenerations.TheywillalsoexploreSun,Earth,andMoonrelationships.The
studentswillrecognizethatourmajorsourceofenergyistheSun.
(B)Withinthelivingenvironment,studentsknowandunderstandthatlivingorganismswithinan
ecosysteminteractwithoneanotherandwiththeirenvironment.Thestudentswillrecognizethat
plantsandanimalshavebasicneeds,andtheyaremetthroughaflowofenergyknownasfood
webs.Studentswillexplorehowalllivingorganismsgothroughalifecycleandthatadaptations
enableorganismstosurviveintheirecosystem.
(b)Knowledgeandskills.

(1)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentconductsclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations,
followinghomeandschoolsafetyproceduresandenvironmentallyappropriateandethicalpractices.The
studentisexpectedto:
(A)demonstratesafepracticesandtheuseofsafetyequipmentasdescribedintheTexasSafety
Standardsduringclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsand
(B)makeinformedchoicesintheuseandconservationofnaturalresourcesandreusingand
recyclingofmaterialssuchaspaper,aluminum,glass,cans,andplastic.
(2)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusesscientificinquirymethodsduringlaboratory
andoutdoorinvestigations.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)planandimplementdescriptiveinvestigations,includingaskingwelldefinedquestions,
makinginferences,andselectingandusingappropriateequipmentortechnologytoanswerhis/her
questions
(B)collectandrecorddatabyobservingandmeasuring,usingthemetricsystem,andusing
descriptivewordsandnumeralssuchaslabeleddrawings,writing,andconceptmaps
(C)constructsimpletables,charts,bargraphs,andmapsusingtoolsandcurrenttechnologyto
organize,examine,andevaluatedata
(D)analyzedataandinterpretpatternstoconstructreasonableexplanationsfromdatathatcanbe
observedandmeasured
(E)performrepeatedinvestigationstoincreasethereliabilityofresultsand
(F)communicatevalid,oral,andwrittenresultssupportedbydata.
(3)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusescriticalthinkingandscientificproblem
solvingtomakeinformeddecisions.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)inallfieldsofscience,analyze,evaluate,andcritiquescientificexplanationsbyusing
empiricalevidence,logicalreasoning,andexperimentalandobservationaltesting,including
examiningallsidesofscientificevidenceofthosescientificexplanations,soastoencourage
criticalthinkingbythestudent
(B)drawinferencesandevaluateaccuracyofservicesandproductclaimsfoundin
advertisementsandlabelssuchasfortoys,food,andsunscreen
(C)representthenaturalworldusingmodelssuchasrivers,streamtables,orfossilsandidentify
theirlimitations,includingaccuracyandsizeand
(D)connectgradelevelappropriatescienceconceptswiththehistoryofscience,sciencecareers,
andcontributionsofscientists.
(4)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowshowtouseavarietyoftools,materials,
equipment,andmodelstoconductscienceinquiry.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)collect,record,andanalyzeinformationusingtools,includingcalculators,microscopes,
cameras,computers,handlenses,metricrulers,Celsiusthermometers,mirrors,springscales,pan
balances,triplebeambalances,graduatedcylinders,beakers,hotplates,metersticks,compasses,
magnets,collectingnets,andnotebookstimingdevices,includingclocksandstopwatchesand
materialstosupportobservationofhabitatsoforganismssuchasterrariumsandaquariumsand

(B)usesafetyequipmentasappropriate,includingsafetygogglesandgloves.
(5)Matterandenergy.Thestudentknowsthatmatterhasmeasurablephysicalpropertiesandthose
propertiesdeterminehowmatterisclassified,changed,andused.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)measure,compare,andcontrastphysicalpropertiesofmatter,includingsize,mass,volume,
states(solid,liquid,gas),temperature,magnetism,andtheabilitytosinkorfloat
(B)predictthechangescausedbyheatingandcoolingsuchasicebecomingliquidwaterand
condensationformingontheoutsideofaglassoficewaterand
(C)compareandcontrastavarietyofmixturesandsolutionssuchasrocksinsand,sandinwater,
orsugarinwater.
(6)Force,motion,andenergy.Thestudentknowsthatenergyexistsinmanyformsandcanbeobserved
incycles,patterns,andsystems.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)differentiateamongformsofenergy,includingmechanical,sound,electrical,light,and
heat/thermal
(B)differentiatebetweenconductorsandinsulators
(C)demonstratethatelectricitytravelsinaclosedpath,creatinganelectricalcircuit,andexplore
anelectromagneticfieldand
(D)designanexperimenttotesttheeffectofforceonanobjectsuchasapushorapull,gravity,
friction,ormagnetism.
(7)Earthandspace.ThestudentsknowthatEarthconsistsofusefulresourcesanditssurfaceis
constantlychanging.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)examinepropertiesofsoils,includingcolorandtexture,capacitytoretainwater,andability
tosupportthegrowthofplants
(B)observeandidentifyslowchangestoEarth'ssurfacecausedbyweathering,erosion,and
depositionfromwater,wind,andiceand
(C)identifyandclassifyEarth'srenewableresources,includingair,plants,water,andanimals
andnonrenewableresources,includingcoal,oil,andnaturalgasandtheimportanceof
conservation.
(8)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthattherearerecognizablepatternsinthenaturalworldand
amongtheSun,Earth,andMoonsystem.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)measureandrecordchangesinweatherandmakepredictionsusingweathermaps,weather
symbols,andamapkey
(B)describeandillustratethecontinuousmovementofwateraboveandonthesurfaceofEarth
throughthewatercycleandexplaintheroleoftheSunasamajorsourceofenergyinthis
processand
(C)collectandanalyzedatatoidentifysequencesandpredictpatternsofchangeinshadows,
tides,seasons,andtheobservableappearanceoftheMoonovertime.
(9)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsandunderstandsthatlivingorganismswithinan
ecosysteminteractwithoneanotherandwiththeirenvironment.Thestudentisexpectedto:

(A)investigatethatmostproducersneedsunlight,water,andcarbondioxidetomaketheirown
food,whileconsumersaredependentonotherorganismsforfoodand
(B)describetheflowofenergythroughfoodwebs,beginningwiththeSun,andpredicthow
changesintheecosystemaffectthefoodwebsuchasafireinaforest.
(10)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismsundergosimilarlifeprocessesand
havestructuresthathelpthemsurvivewithintheirenvironment.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)explorehowadaptationsenableorganismstosurviveintheirenvironmentsuchascomparing
birds'beaksandleavesonplants
(B)demonstratethatsomelikenessesbetweenparentsandoffspringareinherited,passedfrom
generationtogenerationsuchaseyecolorinhumansorshapesofleavesinplants.Other
likenessesarelearnedsuchastablemannersorreadingabookandsealsbalancingballsontheir
nosesand
(C)explore,illustrate,andcomparelifecyclesinlivingorganismssuchasbutterflies,beetles,
radishes,orlimabeans.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.15adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063.
112.16.Science,Grade5,BeginningwithSchoolYear20102011.
(a)Introduction.
(1)Science,asdefinedbytheNationalAcademyofSciences,isthe"useofevidencetoconstruct
testableexplanationsandpredictionsofnaturalphenomena,aswellastheknowledgegeneratedthrough
thisprocess."
(2)Recurringthemesarepervasiveinsciences,mathematics,andtechnology.Theseideastranscend
disciplinaryboundariesandincludepatterns,cycles,systems,models,andchangeandconstancy.
(3)Thestudyofelementaryscienceincludesplanningandsafelyimplementingclassroomandoutdoor
investigationsusingscientificprocesses,includinginquirymethods,analyzinginformation,making
informeddecisions,andusingtoolstocollectandrecordinformation,whileaddressingthemajor
conceptsandvocabulary,inthecontextofphysical,earth,andlifesciences.Districtsareencouragedto
facilitateclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsforatleast50%ofinstructionaltime.
(4)InGrade5,investigationsareusedtolearnaboutthenaturalworld.Studentsshouldunderstandthat
certaintypesofquestionscanbeansweredbyinvestigationsandthatmethods,models,andconclusions
builtfromtheseinvestigationschangeasnewobservationsaremade.Modelsofobjectsandeventsare
toolsforunderstandingthenaturalworldandcanshowhowsystemswork.Theyhavelimitationsand
basedonnewdiscoveriesareconstantlybeingmodifiedtomorecloselyreflectthenaturalworld.
(A)Withinthephysicalenvironment,studentslearnaboutthephysicalpropertiesofmatter,
includingmagnetism,physicalstatesofmatter,relativedensity,solubilityinwater,andtheability
toconductorinsulateelectricalandheatenergy.Studentsexploretheusesoflight,thermal,
electrical,andsoundenergies.
(B)Withinthenaturalenvironment,studentslearnhowchangesoccuronEarth'ssurfaceandthat
predictablepatternsoccurinthesky.Studentslearnthatthenaturalworldconsistsofresources,
includingnonrenewable,renewable,andalternativeenergysources.

(C)Withinthelivingenvironment,studentslearnthatstructureandfunctionoforganismscan
improvethesurvivalofmembersofaspecies.Studentslearntodifferentiatebetweeninherited
traitsandlearnedbehaviors.Studentslearnthatlifecyclesoccurinanimalsandplantsandthat
thecarbondioxideoxygencycleoccursnaturallytosupportthelivingenvironment.
(b)Knowledgeandskills.
(1)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentconductsclassroomandoutdoorinvestigations
followinghomeandschoolsafetyproceduresandenvironmentallyappropriateandethicalpractices.The
studentisexpectedto:
(A)demonstratesafepracticesandtheuseofsafetyequipmentasdescribedintheTexasSafety
Standardsduringclassroomandoutdoorinvestigationsand
(B)makeinformedchoicesintheconservation,disposal,andrecyclingofmaterials.
(2)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusesscientificmethodsduringlaboratoryand
outdoorinvestigations.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)describe,plan,andimplementsimpleexperimentalinvestigationstestingonevariable
(B)askwelldefinedquestions,formulatetestablehypotheses,andselectanduseappropriate
equipmentandtechnology
(C)collectinformationbydetailedobservationsandaccuratemeasuring
(D)analyzeandinterpretinformationtoconstructreasonableexplanationsfromdirect
(observable)andindirect(inferred)evidence
(E)demonstratethatrepeatedinvestigationsmayincreasethereliabilityofresults
(F)communicatevalidconclusionsinbothwrittenandverbalformsand
(G)constructappropriatesimplegraphs,tables,maps,andchartsusingtechnology,including
computers,toorganize,examine,andevaluateinformation.
(3)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentusescriticalthinkingandscientificproblem
solvingtomakeinformeddecisions.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)inallfieldsofscience,analyze,evaluate,andcritiquescientificexplanationsbyusing
empiricalevidence,logicalreasoning,andexperimentalandobservationaltesting,including
examiningallsidesofscientificevidenceofthosescientificexplanations,soastoencourage
criticalthinkingbythestudent
(B)evaluatetheaccuracyoftheinformationrelatedtopromotionalmaterialsforproductsand
servicessuchasnutritionallabels
(C)drawordevelopamodelthatrepresentshowsomethingworksorlooksthatcannotbeseen
suchashowasodadispensingmachineworksand
(D)connectgradelevelappropriatescienceconceptswiththehistoryofscience,sciencecareers,
andcontributionsofscientists.
(4)Scientificinvestigationandreasoning.Thestudentknowshowtouseavarietyoftoolsandmethods
toconductscienceinquiry.Thestudentisexpectedto:

(A)collect,record,andanalyzeinformationusingtools,includingcalculators,microscopes,
cameras,computers,handlenses,metricrulers,Celsiusthermometers,prisms,mirrors,pan
balances,triplebeambalances,springscales,graduatedcylinders,beakers,hotplates,meter
sticks,magnets,collectingnets,andnotebookstimingdevices,includingclocksandstopwatches
andmaterialstosupportobservationsofhabitatsororganismssuchasterrariumsandaquariums
and
(B)usesafetyequipment,includingsafetygogglesandgloves.
(5)Matterandenergy.Thestudentknowsthatmatterhasmeasurablephysicalpropertiesandthose
propertiesdeterminehowmatterisclassified,changed,andused.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)classifymatterbasedonphysicalproperties,includingmass,magnetism,physicalstate
(solid,liquid,andgas),relativedensity(sinkingandfloating),solubilityinwater,andtheability
toconductorinsulatethermalenergyorelectricenergy
(B)identifytheboilingandfreezing/meltingpointsofwaterontheCelsiusscale
(C)demonstratethatsomemixturesmaintainphysicalpropertiesoftheiringredientssuchasiron
filingsandsandand
(D)identifychangesthatcanoccurinthephysicalpropertiesoftheingredientsofsolutionssuch
asdissolvingsaltinwateroraddinglemonjuicetowater.
(6)Force,motion,andenergy.Thestudentknowsthatenergyoccursinmanyformsandcanbeobserved
incycles,patterns,andsystems.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)exploretheusesofenergy,includingmechanical,light,thermal,electrical,andsoundenergy
(B)demonstratethattheflowofelectricityincircuitsrequiresacompletepaththroughwhichan
electriccurrentcanpassandcanproducelight,heat,andsound
(C)demonstratethatlighttravelsinastraightlineuntilitstrikesanobjectortravelsthroughone
mediumtoanotheranddemonstratethatlightcanbereflectedsuchastheuseofmirrorsorother
shinysurfacesandrefractedsuchastheappearanceofanobjectwhenobservedthroughwater
and
(D)designanexperimentthatteststheeffectofforceonanobject.
(7)Earthandspace.ThestudentknowsEarth'ssurfaceisconstantlychangingandconsistsofuseful
resources.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)exploretheprocessesthatledtotheformationofsedimentaryrocksandfossilfuels
(B)recognizehowlandformssuchasdeltas,canyons,andsanddunesaretheresultofchangesto
Earth'ssurfacebywind,water,andice
(C)identifyalternativeenergyresourcessuchaswind,solar,hydroelectric,geothermal,and
biofuelsand
(D)identifyfossilsasevidenceofpastlivingorganismsandthenatureoftheenvironmentsatthe
timeusingmodels.
(8)Earthandspace.Thestudentknowsthattherearerecognizablepatternsinthenaturalworldand
amongtheSun,Earth,andMoonsystem.Thestudentisexpectedto:

(A)differentiatebetweenweatherandclimate
(B)explainhowtheSunandtheoceaninteractinthewatercycle
(C)demonstratethatEarthrotatesonitsaxisonceapproximatelyevery24hourscausingthe
day/nightcycleandtheapparentmovementoftheSunacrosstheskyand
(D)identifyandcomparethephysicalcharacteristicsoftheSun,Earth,andMoon.
(9)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthattherearerelationships,systems,andcycles
withinenvironments.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)observethewayorganismsliveandsurviveintheirecosystembyinteractingwiththeliving
andnonlivingelements
(B)describehowtheflowofenergyderivedfromtheSun,usedbyproducerstocreatetheirown
food,istransferredthroughafoodchainandfoodwebtoconsumersanddecomposers
(C)predicttheeffectsofchangesinecosystemscausedbylivingorganisms,includinghumans,
suchastheoverpopulationofgrazersorthebuildingofhighwaysand
(D)identifythesignificanceofthecarbondioxideoxygencycletothesurvivalofplantsand
animals.
(10)Organismsandenvironments.Thestudentknowsthatorganismsundergosimilarlifeprocessesand
havestructuresthathelpthemsurvivewithintheirenvironments.Thestudentisexpectedto:
(A)comparethestructuresandfunctionsofdifferentspeciesthathelpthemliveandsurvivesuch
ashoovesonprairieanimalsorwebbedfeetinaquaticanimals
(B)differentiatebetweeninheritedtraitsofplantsandanimalssuchasspinesonacactusorshape
ofabeakandlearnedbehaviorssuchasananimallearningtricksorachildridingabicycleand
(C)describethedifferencesbetweencompleteandincompletemetamorphosisofinsects.
Source:Theprovisionsofthis112.16adoptedtobeeffectiveAugust4,2009,34TexReg5063.
Lastupdated:August24,2010
Foradditionalinformation,emailrules@tea.state.tx.us.