Circuit Designers
Students will work in small groups of two to three on a structured challenge around circuits which includes requirements such as including using a switch or a conductor. They will then use that knowledge to work on a collaborative challenge to solve a relevant problem related to elephant poaching. Students will create a containment system that will have an alarm system, a lighting system, and a way to pass through. Finally, they will review the other projects and discuss similarities and differences in the design.
Earth’s Movements
Students will work in small collaborative groups to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth as it revolves around the Sun which creates a day and night cycle.
Types of Motion

Students will distinguish between and/or interpret the types of motion.
Types of Science Investigations

Students will distinguish between descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations.
Experimental Design

Given investigation scenarios and lab procedures, students will identify independent variables, dependent variables, constants, and control groups.
Stop, Collaborate, and Rotate
Students will explore the Earth's rotation and its relation to the Sun and the Moon. Then, students will create a visual representation of this relationship and present it to the rest of the class.
Uses of Energy Lab
Students will rotate through lab stations equipped with objects and videos as they explore the uses and conversion of five different types of energy.
Going on an Expedition
Students observe how dunes and canyons are created through agents of erosion by weathering and erosion.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
Click below to learn about the TEKS related to the unit and Research Lesson. The highlighted student expectation(s) is the chosen focus for the Research Lesson.
1.6 Conductors and Electric Fields in Static Equilibrium

1.6 Conductors and Electric Fields in Static Equilibrium
Motion of the Ocean | Nature Cat

Sing along with Nature Cat, Nature Dog, and their friends and learn about how the ocean currents work with this “Motion of the Ocean” song! From the Nature Cat: Ocean Commotion special.
How to Travel Around the World | Nature Cat

In this fun clip from Nature Cat: Ocean Commotion, Nature Dog and Sputnik form an unlikely alliance to rescue Mr. Chewinsky and in the process, they find out whether it’s possible to travel around the world using only the ocean currents.
States of Matter Fitness

In this 3rd through 5th grade video, students use their science knowledge and apply it using physical activity! Learning about the stages of matter, solid, liquid and gas, students perform an exercise for each as the teacher calls out an object such as soup or fog.
TEA AP Biology PowerPoint Slides
Instructor PowerPoint slides for TEA AP Biology open-source instructional materials.
TEA AP Physics 1 PowerPoint Slides
Instructor PowerPoint slides for TEA AP Physics 1 open-source instructional material.
TEA AP Physics 2 PowerPoint Slides
Instructor PowerPoint slides for TEA AP Physics 2 open-source instructional material.
TEA AP Biology Textbook PDF
TEA AP Biology Textbook PDF
TEA AP Physics 1 Textbook PDF
TEA AP Physics 1 Textbook PDF
TEA AP Physics 2 Textbook PDF
TEA AP Physics 2 Textbook PDF
The Birds are Building a Nest | Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Daniel and Katerina collect leaves and sticks for the birds to use in their nest.
A Nature Hike | Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Come on a nature hike with Evie as she explores the woods in her real neighborhood. Carefully Evie and her nature guide explore off trail, looking at plants using a magnifying glass and searching for creatures in a nearby creek.