SECTION 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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §112.51 adopted to be effective November 30, 2021, 46 TexReg 8044