Science
Supporting your school or district's implementation of best-practice science instruction.
Science Events, Services, and Resources
-
![]()
In-Person
Science: Practical Retrieval Strategies for Grades 3–5
Explore the benefits of using retrieval techniques as a way to not only improve retention and understanding, but also to deepen critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
View Workshop Details: Science: Practical Retrieval Strategies for Grades 3–5 -
![]()
In-Person
Teaching Science to Stay: Practical Retrieval Strategies for Grades 6-12
Explore the benefits of using retrieval techniques as a way to not only improve retention and understanding, but also to deepen critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
View Workshop Details: Teaching Science to Stay: Practical Retrieval Strategies for Grades 6-12 -
![]()
Video
New Science TEKS Video Series
The Science TEKS are changing in 2024-2025. Learn about the changes with our informative video series.
View Video Details: New Science TEKS Video Series -
![]()
Printable
New Science TEKS Tools Checklists
Get your own breakdown of the new Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) tools for Kindergarten through 12th grade.
View Printable Details: New Science TEKS Tools Checklists -
![]()
Online
Science Leadership Forums
Opportunities to network and stay updated on the latest news from the TEA.
View Event Details: Science Leadership Forums -
![]()
In-Person
Teaching Essentials: Foundations for New Teacher Success
A 4-day cohort experience designed to equip new K–12 teachers with practical strategies, expert support, and a strong foundation for classroom success and work-life balance.
View Series Details: Teaching Essentials: Foundations for New Teacher Success -
![]()
In-Person
Future Ready Learning Fair
A free event where schools and families can explore innovative tools, strategies, and resources to empower future-ready learners.
View Event Details: Future Ready Learning Fair -
![]()
In-Person
Data Literacy Across Content Areas
Explore practical strategies for integrating data literacy into mathematics, science, and social studies instruction.
View Workshop Details: Data Literacy Across Content Areas -
![]()
In-Person
Science: Talking Through the Text — Powering Up Science Literacy & Discourse Grades 3–5
Explore literacy strategies through a science lens to support students build their schema and increase their capacity to think like a scientist.
View Workshop Details: Science: Talking Through the Text — Powering Up Science Literacy & Discourse Grades 3–5 -
![]()
In-Person
Using Questions, Discourse, and Movement to Improve Thinking in Grades 6-12
Explore how higher-level questioning, structured academic dialogue, and purposeful movement lead to meaningful written expression across every discipline.
View Workshop Details: Using Questions, Discourse, and Movement to Improve Thinking in Grades 6-12 -
![]()
In-Person
Science: Building Data Literacy with Scientific Visuals Grades 3-5
Explore strategies for helping students read, analyze, and make meaning from charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, models, and other scientific visuals.
View Workshop Details: Science: Building Data Literacy with Scientific Visuals Grades 3-5 -
![]()
In-Person
STAAR Studded Event: AUSTIN
Jump into one of these full-day opportunities for STAAR Studded learning at ESC Region 13 in Austin.
View Conference Details: STAAR Studded Event: AUSTIN -
![]()
In-Person
From Inquiry to Innovation: Engineering in the Science Classroom
Explore how engineering practices can elevate traditional science content into hands-on, problem-solving experiences.
View Workshop Details: From Inquiry to Innovation: Engineering in the Science Classroom -
![]()
In-Person
Science: Talking Through the Text — Powering Up Science Literacy & Discourse Grades 3–5
Explore literacy strategies through a science lens to support students build their schema and increase their capacity to think like a scientist.
View Workshop Details: Science: Talking Through the Text — Powering Up Science Literacy & Discourse Grades 3–5 -
![]()
In-Person
Science: Building Data Literacy with Scientific Visuals Grades 3-5
Explore strategies for helping students read, analyze, and make meaning from charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, models, and other scientific visuals.
View Workshop Details: Science: Building Data Literacy with Scientific Visuals Grades 3-5 -
![]()
Article
How to Use the Power of Heat Maps in the Science Classroom
When it comes to assessment, one of the biggest challenges for any tested grade level or content area is time. How do teachers and leaders distinguish between concepts that may need a quick refresher versus a more focused, in-depth review? Enter the power of heat maps. More than just a colorful chart, heat maps transform […]
Read Article: How to Use the Power of Heat Maps in the Science Classroom -
![]()
Article
Instructional Moves with Retrieval in Mind
When you hear the word “retrieval,” what do you think of? Perhaps the recalling of information or a golden retriever fetching and returning a ball. With either example, you are on the right track. This article explores instructional moves with retrieval in mind. Consider our students. Whether it is a task or an assessment, we […]
Read Article: Instructional Moves with Retrieval in Mind -
![]()
Service
Content Services District Partnerships
A yearlong, data-driven professional learning partnership that builds instructional alignment and content expertise for core teachers through collaborative district cohorts.
View Service Details: Content Services District Partnerships -
![]()
Resource
Content Services Weekly Newsletter
Weekly resources, events, and TEA updates for Math, RLA, Science, and Social Studies delivered to your inbox.
View Resource Details: Content Services Weekly Newsletter -
![Computer screen with a preview of the downloadable PDF for the Science STAAR Power: Biology product.]()
Product
Science STAAR Power: Biology - Individual License (Downloadable PDF)
Introducing Biology EOC Science STAAR Power! Fully aligned with the adopted Biology TEKS, this product helps your students prepare for the evolving nature of state assessments. This digital download includes: TEKS-aligned activities created for each reporting category/strand. A teacher overview to help the teacher with set-up, facilitation, and differentiation with minimal prep time. A student sheet that guides students through each part of the activity. Corresponding resources that are needed for each activity. A teacher answer key that can be used to assess student mastery. These resources are designed to activate prior knowledge and can be implemented flexibly—whether for individual deep-dives, partnered exploration, or collaborative small-group work Power up science student understanding today! Note: These activities are designed to support key strands and strengthen student understanding; they are not intended to serve as a comprehensive curriculum for all assessed standards. Digital Download, 1 PDF The Science STAAR Power: Biology was produced and is maintained by the Content Services team at Region 13.
Read Article: Science STAAR Power: Biology - Individual License (Downloadable PDF) -
![]()
Article
Three Ways to Impact Science Instruction
In the fall of 2024, a group of K-12 science teachers in Marble Falls ISD signed up to be a part of the Science Vertical Instructional Team (VIT). One of the first things the team tackled, along with two ESC Region 13 science specialists, was taking a deep dive into science STAAR/EOC district data for […]
Read Article: Three Ways to Impact Science Instruction -
![]()
Printable
Science Short Constructed Response Checklist
Guide students step-by-step through reading, responding, and revising their answers with evidence while building collaboration through peer feedback.
View Printable Details: Science Short Constructed Response Checklist -
![]()
Printable
Lesson Check: The Science Way
See if your plans include opportunities for students to investigate, model, analyze, and make connections between scientific ideas.
View Printable Details: Lesson Check: The Science Way -
![]()
Article
Science Transition Year FAQs for STAAR/EOC
2024-2025 is a transition year for implementing the new K-12 science standards. Teachers across Texas want to know if this year’s Science STAAR/EOC focuses solely on the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Not quite. This year is designated a “transition year” for Texas science assessments. So, any content overlapping between the previous and current […]
Read Article: Science Transition Year FAQs for STAAR/EOC -
![]()
Article
Discovering the Wonders of Phenomena in the Science TEKS
The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Guide defines phenomena (the plural of phenomenon) as naturally occurring, detectable events observable through the senses. Do you know how many times phenomena are mentioned in the Science TEKS? These grade bands mention phenomena multiple times. Kindergarten Through Grade 5 Examples of Phenomena in […]
Read Article: Discovering the Wonders of Phenomena in the Science TEKS -
![]()
Article
3 Reasons to Pay Attention to the Science TEKS Introduction
The new Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Kindergarten through 12th grade will be implemented for the 2024-2025 school year. All grade-level TEKS have an Introduction followed by the standards. The Introduction can often be overlooked, yet it can contain valuable information. Let’s look at a few items that can be found in […]
Read Article: 3 Reasons to Pay Attention to the Science TEKS Introduction -
![]()
Article
Content within the New Science TEKS
Content within the new Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) starts in the 2024-25 school year. The new TEKS affects Kindergarten through 12th grade. In our previous blog, we looked at the tools recommended within the new TEKS. Now, let’s examine a few changes within the content portion for some of the grade levels. […]
Read Article: Content within the New Science TEKS -
![]()
Printable
Let's Be The Judge - Elementary
Let's Be The Judge is a gallery walk of questions with incorrect and correct answers.
View Printable Details: Let's Be The Judge - Elementary -
![]()
Printable
Let's Be The Judge - Secondary
Let's Be The Judge is a gallery walk of questions with incorrect and correct answers.
View Printable Details: Let's Be The Judge - Secondary -
![]()
Article
Science Tools Within the New Science TEKS
The new Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for grades Kindergarten through 12th will be implemented in the 2024-2025 school year. In our previous blog, we outlined three key areas of change in the new Science TEKS. Another area worth highlighing is how the science tools were updated within each grade level. Let’s break […]
Read Article: Science Tools Within the New Science TEKS -
![]()
Printable
Earth and Space Hex Web Activity
Hex Web Activity for Elementary Science Earth and Space.
View Printable Details: Earth and Space Hex Web Activity -
![]()
Printable
Periodic Table Hex Web Activity
Hex Web Activity for Secondary Science for Periodic Table.
View Printable Details: Periodic Table Hex Web Activity -
![]()
Article
Region 13 Engineers Week Challenge
Celebrate the 2024 Engineers Week by joining our fun Engineers Week Challenge and do some engineering design with your students! Preview some of the engineering practices embedded in the upcoming Science TEKS. Engineers Week is February 18-24, 2024. The winner of the Engineers Week Challenge will receive a free registration to the 2024 Region 13 […]
Read Article: Region 13 Engineers Week Challenge -
![]()
Article
3 Key Areas of Change to the Science TEKS
Did you know Texas has brand new Science standards? The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for grades Kindergarten through 12th have been revised, approved by the State Board of Education, and will be implemented in the 2024-2025 school year. You may be wondering, “How has the Science TEKS changed?” Three key areas of change […]
Read Article: 3 Key Areas of Change to the Science TEKS -
![]()
Article
Preparing for the future Science TEKS
When I taught fourth-grade science in July 2020, I discovered the classroom textbooks had copyright dates of 1992, almost two decades before my students were born! This realization led to the inevitable question: “Is this information still current, or has science changed?” The short answer is today’s understanding of science changes constantly. According to NPR, […]
Read Article: Preparing for the future Science TEKS -
![Computer screen with a preview of the downloadable PDF for the Science STAAR Power: Grade 5 product.]()
Product
Science STAAR Power: Elementary - Individual License (Downloadable PDF)
Welcome to version 2.0 of Science STAAR Power Products! Fully aligned with the adopted K-12 Science TEKS, this product helps your students prepare for the evolving nature of STAAR assessments. This digital download includes: TEKS-aligned activities created for each reporting category/strand. A teacher overview to help the teacher with set-up, facilitation, and differentiation. A student sheet that guides students through each part of the activity. Corresponding resources that are needed for each activity. A teacher answer key that can be used to assess student mastery. These resources are designed to activate prior knowledge and can be implemented flexibly—whether for individual deep-dives, partnered exploration, or collaborative small-group work Power up science student understanding today! Digital Download, 1 PDF The Science STAAR Power: Elementary was produced and is maintained by the Content Services team at Region 13.
Read Article: Science STAAR Power: Elementary - Individual License (Downloadable PDF) -
![Computer screen with a preview of the downloadable PDF for the Science STAAR Power: Middle School Grades 6-8 product.]()
Product
Science STAAR Power: Middle School - Individual License (Downloadable PDF)
Welcome to version 2.0 of Science STAAR Power! Fully aligned with the adopted K-12 Science TEKS, this product helps your students prepare for the evolving nature of STAAR assessments. This digital download includes: TEKS-aligned activities created for each reporting category/strand. A teacher overview to help the teacher with set-up, facilitation, and differentiation with minimal prep time. A student sheet that guides students through each part of the activity. Corresponding resources that are needed for each activity. A teacher answer key that can be used to assess student mastery. These resources are designed to activate prior knowledge and can be implemented flexibly—whether for individual deep-dives, partnered exploration, or collaborative small-group work Power up science student understanding today! Note: These activities are designed to support key strands and strengthen student understanding; they are not intended to serve as a comprehensive curriculum for all assessed standards. Digital Download, 1 PDF The Science STAAR Power: Middle School was produced and is maintained by the Content Services team at Region 13.
Read Article: Science STAAR Power: Middle School - Individual License (Downloadable PDF) -
![]()
Online
TExES Review: Science 7-12
This course is intended for new and experienced teachers who want to review key concepts, principles and strategies for teaching Science in 7-12 classrooms.
View Workshop Details: TExES Review: Science 7-12 -
Consultations
Content Area: Consultation
We support our clients with meeting district and campus academic goals through our educational consulting services. We partner with stakeholders to analyze quantitative and qualitative data to determine a focus for services, and we collaborate to create a plan with action steps and support.
View Consultations Details: Content Area: Consultation -
Consultations
Content Area Facilitated Planning
Our coaches partner with individual teachers or teams to provide coherent guidance while planning for instruction and formative assessment.
View Consultations Details: Content Area Facilitated Planning -
Professional Development
Content Areas: Custom PD
Our content area teams can provide customized teacher professional development workshops for your staff. We partner with our districts to analyze student data and determine a focus for learning and support.
View Professional Development Details: Content Areas: Custom PD -
![]()
Article
Flexible Grouping Strategies for the Science Classroom
Group work and the science classroom go together like peanut butter and jelly – or like hydrogen and oxygen. Whether it’s a lab, discussion, research, stations, partners, or interventions, there are many opportunities for science teachers to employ flexible grouping in their classrooms. What is flexible grouping Flexible grouping or flexible groups is a strategy […]
Read Article: Flexible Grouping Strategies for the Science Classroom -
![]()
Article
Engineering’s Role in the STEM Classroom
Engineering provides a critical role in the STEM classroom. Through engineering, you can plan experiences where your students are engaged in authentic, relevant problems that affect their daily lives. When you expose students to engineering in the elementary classroom you’re encouraging them to ask questions, creatively solve and evaluate problems, and express their ideas for […]
Read Article: Engineering’s Role in the STEM Classroom
Science professional development and support
Our specialists provide professional development for science teachers that is reflective of campus, district and regional needs. We are data-informed and values-driven. We create powerful learning experiences for teachers that are active, learner-centered, and responsive to student needs. Most importantly, we support teachers to create inquiry-driven, literate scientists of tomorrow
Additionally, our professional development for science teachers supports the implementation of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), and the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).
Need to get in touch?
Contact a member of our team for more information.
Vejheh Tavakoli, 512-919-5187 Carolyn Beardsley, 512-919-5446