A ask questions and define problems based on observations or information from text, phenomena, models, or investigations;

B use scientific practices to plan and conduct descriptive investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems;

C demonstrate safe practices and the use of safety equipment during classroom and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards;

D use tools, including hand lenses; metric rulers; Celsius thermometers; calculators; laser pointers; mirrors; digital scales; balances; graduated cylinders; beakers; hot plates; meter sticks; magnets; notebooks; timing devices; sieves; materials for building circuits; materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums, aquariums, and collecting nets; and materials to support digital data collection such as computers, tablets, and cameras, to observe, measure, test, and analyze information;

E collect observations and measurements as evidence;

F construct appropriate graphic organizers used to collect data, including tables, bar graphs, line graphs, tree maps, concept maps, Venn diagrams, flow charts or sequence maps, and input-output tables that show cause and effect; and

G develop and use models to represent phenomena, objects, and processes or design a prototype for a solution to a problem.

A identify advantages and limitations of models such as their size, scale, properties, and materials;

B analyze data by identifying any significant features, patterns, or sources of error;

C use mathematical calculations to compare patterns and relationships; and

D evaluate a design or object using criteria.

A develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models;

B communicate explanations and solutions individually and collaboratively in a variety of settings and formats; and

C listen actively to others' explanations to identify relevant evidence and engage respectfully in scientific discussion.

A explain how scientific discoveries and innovative solutions to problems impact science and society; and

B 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 to investigate STEM careers.

A identify and use patterns to explain scientific phenomena or to design solutions;

B identify and investigate cause-and-effect relationships to explain scientific phenomena or analyze problems;

C use scale, proportion, and quantity to describe, compare, or model different systems;

D examine and model the parts of a system and their interdependence in the function of the system;

E investigate how energy flows and matter cycles through systems and how matter is conserved;

F explain the relationship between the structure and function of objects, organisms, and systems; and

G explain how factors or conditions impact stability and change in objects, organisms, and systems.

A classify and describe matter using observable physical properties, including temperature, mass, magnetism, relative density (the ability to sink or float in water), and physical state (solid, liquid, gas);

B investigate and compare a variety of mixtures, including solutions that are composed of liquids in liquids and solids in liquids; and

C demonstrate that matter is conserved when mixtures such as soil and water or oil and water are formed.

A investigate and identify the transfer of energy by objects in motion, waves in water, and sound;

B identify conductors and insulators of thermal and electrical energy; and

C demonstrate and describe how electrical energy travels in a closed path that can produce light and thermal energy.

A collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in seasons such as change in temperature and length of daylight; and

B collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in the observable appearance of the Moon from Earth.

A describe and illustrate the continuous movement of water above and on the surface of Earth through the water cycle and explain the role of the Sun as a major source of energy in this process;

B model and describe slow changes to Earth's surface caused by weathering, erosion, and deposition from water, wind, and ice; and

C differentiate between weather and climate.

A identify and explain advantages and disadvantages of using Earth's renewable and nonrenewable natural resources such as wind, water, sunlight, plants, animals, coal, oil, and natural gas;

B explain the critical role of energy resources to modern life and how conservation, disposal, and recycling of natural resources impact the environment; and

C determine the physical properties of rocks that allow Earth's natural resources to be stored there.

A investigate and explain how most producers can make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through the cycling of matter;

B describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy through food webs, including the roles of the Sun, producers, consumers, and decomposers; and

C identify and describe past environments based on fossil evidence, including common Texas fossils.

A explore and explain how structures and functions of plants such as waxy leaves and deep roots enable them to survive in their environment; and

B differentiate between inherited and acquired physical traits of organisms.