Texas TEKS 8.3

8.3 is a TEKS knowledge and skills statement. These are the student expectations under it.

• 8.3.A

  develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models and consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories

• 8.3.B

  communicate explanations and solutions individually and collaboratively in a variety of settings and formats

• 8.3.C

  engage respectfully in scientific argumentation using applied scientific explanations and empirical evidence

01

What Students Need to Do

Students use observations, measurements, and models to explain why a result occurred or to design a workable solution. They connect each claim to specific evidence and accepted science ideas. They present their reasoning and respond respectfully to questions and competing explanations.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can make a clear claim, select relevant data, and explain how the evidence supports the claim. The student can revise a model or solution after critique and defend the revision with evidence.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students often list data without explaining how it supports the claim, or treat any observation as equally useful. They may confuse opinion with evidence, assume models are exact copies, or reject disagreement as disrespectful.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: A covered cup cools from 80°C to 55°C, while an uncovered cup cools to 42°C. Which design limits heat transfer? Cite data and explain using heat transfer principles.

1. 01

   Teams test two paper bridge designs with washers, graph load capacity, then recommend one design using the data and a labeled force model.

2. 02

   Show two explanations for a plant's wilted leaves and ask students to write which is stronger, citing evidence and plant biology.

3. 03

   Run an evidence sort: teams match claim, data, and reasoning cards, then challenge one mismatch with a respectful question.

4. 04

   Have students compare local weather forecasts with actual temperatures, then explain which forecast performed better and why the data support that judgment.

• 1.3

  Scientific and engineering practices. The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions. The stude...

• K.3

  Scientific and engineering practices. The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions. The stude...

• 3.3

  Scientific and engineering practices. The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions. The stude...

• 6.3

  Scientific and engineering practices. The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions. The stude...