Texas TEKS 8.4.B
The Standard
make informed decisions by evaluating evidence from multiple appropriate sources to assess the credibility, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and methods used
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare evidence from several relevant sources before choosing an option or accepting a claim. They judge source credibility, accuracy, research methods, and cost, then explain their decision with evidence.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students identify who produced each source, how evidence was gathered, and whether the findings agree. They choose a reasonable option and explain both the evidence and cost tradeoffs.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may trust the first source they find, assume all websites are equally reliable, or treat popularity as proof. They may choose the cheapest option without checking quality or compare total prices instead of equal units.
How to Assess It
- Give students three short source cards about water filters, including price, test method, and author. Ask them to choose one filter and justify the choice using two sources.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set up source stations with product labels, test reports, advertisements, and reviews, then have groups rank each source and defend their rankings.
Ask students to write: Which evidence would you trust most when choosing a helmet, and what makes that evidence credible?
Play Source Showdown, where pairs compare two source cards and earn a point for naming the stronger source with a specific reason.
Compare school water bottle options using unit cost, durability tests, customer reviews, and manufacturer claims, then recommend one to the principal.
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Printable 8.4.B Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 8.4.B, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 7.4.B
make informed decisions by evaluating evidence from multiple appropriate sources to assess the credibility, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and methods used; and
- 4.3.C
listen actively to others' explanations to identify relevant evidence and engage respectfully in scientific discussion.
- 3.3.C
listen actively to others' explanations to identify relevant evidence and engage respectfully in scientific discussion.
- 6.4.B
make informed decisions by evaluating evidence from multiple appropriate sources to assess the credibility, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and methods used; and
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