19 Tex. Admin. Code § 112.51 - Specialized Topics in Science, Adopted 2021 (One Credit)
(a) General requirements. Students shall be
awarded one credit for successful completion of this course. Students may
repeat this course with different course content for up to three credits.
Recommended prerequisite: one credit of high school science.
(b) Introduction.
(1) Specialized Topics in Science is intended
to diversify programs of science study and give students the opportunity to
study scientific topics in greater detail and with deeper understanding rather
than provide remediation.
(A) In Specialized
Topics in Science, students have the opportunity to develop greater
understanding of science content beyond what is taught in other Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills-based science courses while utilizing science and
engineering practices. Students understand the value and role of curiosity in
any discipline of science. The specialized topic of study may originate from
local or global phenomena, student interest, or teacher specialties. The
emphasis of study may vary such as theoretical science, citizen science,
science investigations, science careers, specialized disciplines of science,
designing innovations, the ethics of science, or history of science.
(B) By the end of Grade 12, students are
expected to gain sufficient knowledge of the scientific and engineering
practices across the disciplines of science to make informed decisions using
critical thinking and scientific problem solving.
(2) Statements containing the word
"including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the
phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.
(c) Knowledge and skills.
(1) Scientific and engineering practices. The
student, for at least 40% of instructional time, asks questions, identifies
problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field
investigations to explain phenomena or design solutions using appropriate tools
and models. The student is expected to:
(A)
ask questions and define problems related to specialized topics of study based
on observations or information from text, phenomena, models, or
investigations;
(B) apply science
practices related to specialized topics of study to plan and conduct
investigations or use engineering practices to design solutions to
problems;
(C) use appropriate
safety equipment and practices during laboratory, classroom, and field
investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety
standards;
(D) use tools
appropriate to the specialized topic of study;
(E) collect quantitative data using the
International System of Units (SI) or qualitative data as evidence as
appropriate to the specialized topic of study;
(F) organize quantitative or qualitative data
using representations appropriate to the specialized topic of study such as
scatter plots, line graphs, bar graphs, charts, data tables, diagrams,
scientific drawings, and student-prepared models;
(G) develop and use models to represent
phenomena, systems, processes, or solutions to problems as appropriate to the
specialized topic of study; and
(H)
distinguish among scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws as appropriate to
the specialized topic of study.
(2) Scientific and engineering practices. The
student analyzes and interprets data to derive meaning, identify features and
patterns, and discover relationships or correlations to develop evidence-based
arguments or evaluate designs. The student is expected to:
(A) identify advantages and limitations of
models such as their size, scale, properties, and materials as appropriate to
the specialized topic of study;
(B)
analyze data appropriate to the specialized topic of study by identifying
significant statistical features, patterns, sources of error, and
limitations;
(C) use mathematical
calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data as appropriate to the
specialized topic of study; and
(D)
evaluate experimental or engineering designs as appropriate to the specialized
topic of study.
(3)
Scientific and engineering practices. The student develops evidence-based
explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, or proposed solutions. The
student is expected to:
(A) develop
explanations or propose solutions supported by data and models consistent with
scientific ideas, principles, and theories as appropriate to the specialized
topic of study;
(B) communicate
explanations or solutions individually and collaboratively in a variety of
settings and formats as appropriate to the specialized topic of study;
and
(C) engage respectfully in
scientific argumentation using applied scientific explanations and empirical
evidence as appropriate to the specialized topic of study.
(4) Scientific and engineering practices. The
student knows the contributions of scientists and recognizes the importance of
scientific research and innovation on society. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze, evaluate, and critique
scientific explanations and solutions by using empirical evidence, logical
reasoning, and experimental or observational testing as appropriate to the
specialized topic of study, so as to encourage critical thinking by the
student;
(B) relate the impact of
past and current research on scientific thought and society, including research
methodology, cost-benefit analysis, and contributions of diverse scientists as
appropriate to the specialized topic of study; and
(C) research and explore resources such as
museums, libraries, professional organizations, private companies, online
platforms, and mentors employed in a science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) field in order to investigate STEM careers as appropriate to
the specialized topic of study.
Notes
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