The science TEKS, as defined in Texas Administrative Code 19.2.112.C, identifies four courses for Texas science courses as of Nov. 2020:

As defined in subsection (2) of the bill, the courses must include the nature of science, which requires the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena and the knowledge generated through this process. Students are presented with multiple unique opportunities to observe, manipulate, gather, interpret, and analyze data through direct measurement video analysis, Bluetooth integration, simulations, and multi-modal activities.

As defines in subsection (4) of the bill, the courses must include scientific inquiry. “Scientific inquiry is the planned and deliberate investigation of the natural world using scientific and engineering practices. Scientific methods of investigation are descriptive, comparative, or experimental. The method chosen should be appropriate to the question being asked. Student learning for different types of investigations includes descriptive investigations, which involve collecting data and recording observations without making comparisons; comparative investigations, which involve collecting data with variables that are manipulated to compare results; and experimental investigations, which involve processes similar to comparative investigations but in which a control is identified.” Each of these investigation types is available in the Pivot Interactives software. We encourage teachers to work with all of the scientific practices to promote active learning through various means.

Instructors can use Pivot Interactives activities to meet the required 40% of instructional time for the science and engineering practices. Activities can be selected from filters in the library, available in the “National Standards” category.

Pivot Interactives activities can be used to meet the argumentation requirements for the course. Activities can be selected from filters in the library, available in the “Instructional Purpose” category under “Create an Argument from Evidence.”

TEKS also defines a series of learning standards for the course-specific to each discipline. Activities meeting these specific learning goals can be found in the “Subject” category of the filters. Biology should reference the “Biology” subcategory. Chemistry should reference the “Chemistry” subcategory. Physics should reference the “Physics” subcategory. Integrated Physics and Chemistry should reference the “Chemistry” and “Physics” subcategories.