Texas TEKS 5.3.C

Science5th GradeScientific and engineering practices

The Standard

listen actively to others' explanations to identify relevant evidence and engage respectfully in scientific discussion.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students listen to a peer explain a scientific claim and identify which observations or data support it. They respond with a relevant question, agreement, or disagreement using respectful words.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can name the speaker’s claim and point to specific evidence the speaker used. The student waits for a turn and responds to the idea rather than criticizing the person.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat any detail as evidence, even when it does not support the claim. They may interrupt, repeat their own idea, or think respectful discussion requires agreement.
How to Assess It: Read a short claim and explanation aloud: “Dark soil heats faster because it reached 32°C while light soil reached 27°C.” Ask students to identify the evidence and write one respectful response.

Lesson moves

Teams test which paper towel absorbs most water, then listeners record one claim and one piece of evidence from each team’s explanation.
Ask, “Which evidence best supports the speaker’s claim, and what respectful question would help you understand the explanation better?”
Play Evidence or Extra Detail by reading explanation cards while students sort each statement and explain their choice to a partner.
Show a local weather forecast, then have students identify the observations used and respectfully discuss whether the forecast is well supported.

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