(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.
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