TEXASTHE LONE STAR STATE
Texas Grade 3 Science Online Center
Texas tests science in grades 5 and 8, not in grade 3, so third grade is the year to build the ideas STAAR Science will ask about later. Practice tests, skill quizzes, flashcards, and every Texas science standard for this grade, free.
Standards source: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Texas Education Agency.
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Texas Science by Grade
Every Texas science center, grade 1 through grade 8.
Start With a Practice Test
Six full, timed grade 3 science practice tests, 25 questions each, instant scoring, and a written explanation for every question. Texas does not test science this year, so use these to find gaps early. Each one opens right here.
Texas Grade 3 Science Practice Test 1
A full diagnostic across every science area for this grade.
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Texas Grade 3 Science Practice Test 2
Fresh questions and new phenomena to build accuracy.
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Texas Grade 3 Science Practice Test 3
New problems that push reading of data, models, and evidence.
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Texas Grade 3 Science Practice Test 4
Another complete, timed exam to build pacing and stamina.
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Texas Grade 3 Science Practice Test 5
A brand-new mixed set to test how ready you are.
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Texas Grade 3 Science Practice Test 6
A final full-length simulation to confirm you are ready.
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Grade 3 Science Skill Quizzes
Pick one science area, answer 10 questions, and see exactly where the idea broke down. Each quiz opens right here.
Matter and Its Properties
A quick 10-question check on matter and its properties, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Forces and Motion
A quick 10-question check on forces and motion, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Energy
A quick 10-question check on energy, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Waves and Information
A quick 10-question check on waves and information, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Cells, Structures and Life Processes
A quick 10-question check on cells, structures and life processes, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Ecosystems and Heredity
A quick 10-question check on ecosystems and heredity, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Evolution, Fossils and Adaptation
A quick 10-question check on evolution, fossils and adaptation, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Earth and Space Systems
A quick 10-question check on earth and space systems, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Earth, Human Activity and Engineering
A quick 10-question check on earth, human activity and engineering, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Grade 3 Science Study Tools
A few minutes of review between practice tests. Both open right here.
Grade 3 Science Flashcards
All 145 terms this grade is expected to know. Search the deck, filter by science area, star the hard ones, and mark off what you have down.
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Grade 3 Science Quick Review
Every must-know idea for this grade on one page, grouped by science area, with the vocabulary for each one.
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Study with a clearer next step
This Texas grade 3 science center is part of the Effortless Math library. Practice tests, skill quizzes, flashcards, and the state's own standards are connected so a student always has a clear next step instead of a wall of links.
Effortless Math is an independent educational publisher. Test names, state exams, standards names, and trademarks are used only to identify the relevant study topic; their owners do not sponsor, endorse, or approve this page.
Texas Grade 3 Science Snapshot
Texas Grade 3 Science Topics
These are the 45 science standards Texas sets for grade 3, from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science, grouped and ordered exactly the way the state's own standards document groups them. Each one is tagged with its official code so you can trace it straight back to the state document.
Texas standard codes
1-4 Scientific and engineering practices
- 3.1(A)3.1(E)Scientific Questions, Investigations, and Evidence
- 3.1(B)3.1(G)3.2(D)3.4(A)Engineering Design and Solution Evaluation
- 3.1(C)Lab Safety and Responsible Investigations
- 3.1(D)3.2(A)3.2(B)3.3(A)Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model Limits
- 3.1(F)Scientific Tools, Measurement, and Data Displays
- 3.2(C)Mathematical Calculations Patterns Relationships
- 3.3(B)3.3(C)3.4(B)Science Communication, Evidence, and STEM Careers
5 Recurring themes and concepts
- 3.5(A)3.5(B)3.5(C)3.5(E)3.5(F)3.5(G)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and Change
- 3.5(D)Ecosystems, Food Webs, and Matter Flow
6 Matter and energy
- 3.6(A)3.6(B)3.6(C)Matter Properties, States, and Classification
- 3.6(D)Material Properties and Uses
7-8 Force, motion, and energy
- 3.7(A)3.7(B)Forces, Motion, and Interactions
- 3.8(A)Energy Forms, Transfer, and Transformation
- 3.8(B)Conduct Investigations Speed Object Related Mechanical Energy
9-11 Earth and space
- 3.9(A)3.9(B)Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space Systems
- 3.10(A)Water Cycle, Weather, Climate, and Atmosphere
- 3.10(B)Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and Landforms
- 3.10(C)Rapid Changes Earth'S Surface Volcanic Eruptions Earthquakes Landslides
- 3.11(A)3.11(B)3.11(C)Natural Resources and Human Impacts
12-13 Organisms and environments
- 3.12(A)3.12(C)3.12(D)3.13(A)3.13(B)Organism Needs, Structures, and Life Cycles
- 3.12(B)Ecosystems, Food Webs, and Matter Flow
Grouped and ordered from the state's own standards document.
Texas Grade 3 Science Standards
The full text of every grade 3 science standard in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science. If your Texas classroom or report card mentions a code, you will find it here.
1-4 Scientific and engineering practices
- 3.1(A)Scientific Questions, Investigations, and EvidenceAsk questions and define problems based on observations or information from text, phenomena, models, or investigations
- 3.1(B)Engineering Design and Solution EvaluationUse scientific practices to plan and conduct descriptive investigations and use engineering practices to design solutions to problems
- 3.1(C)Lab Safety and Responsible InvestigationsDemonstrate safe practices and the use of safety equipment during classroom and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards
- 3.1(D)Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsUse tools, including hand lenses; metric rulers; Celsius thermometers; wind vanes; rain gauges; graduated cylinders; beakers; digital scales; hot plates; meter sticks; magnets; notebooks; Sun, Earth, Moon system models; timing devices; 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
- 3.1(E)Scientific Questions, Investigations, and EvidenceCollect observations and measurements as evidence
- 3.1(F)Scientific Tools, Measurement, and Data DisplaysConstruct appropriate graphic organizers 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
- 3.1(G)Engineering Design and Solution EvaluationDevelop and use models to represent phenomena, objects, and processes or design a prototype for a solution to a problem
- 3.2(A)Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsIdentify advantages and limitations of models such as their size, scale, properties, and materials
- 3.2(B)Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsAnalyze data by identifying any significant features, patterns, or sources of error
- 3.2(C)Mathematical Calculations Patterns RelationshipsUse mathematical calculations to compare patterns and relationships
- 3.2(D)Engineering Design and Solution EvaluationEvaluate a design or object using criteria
- 3.3(A)Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsDevelop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models
- 3.3(B)Science Communication, Evidence, and STEM CareersCommunicate explanations and solutions individually and collaboratively in a variety of settings and formats
- 3.3(C)Science Communication, Evidence, and STEM CareersListen actively to others' explanations to identify relevant evidence and engage respectfully in scientific discussion
- 3.4(A)Engineering Design and Solution EvaluationExplain how scientific discoveries and innovative solutions to problems impact science and society
- 3.4(B)Science Communication, Evidence, and STEM CareersResearch 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
5 Recurring themes and concepts
- 3.5(A)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeIdentify and use patterns to explain scientific phenomena or to design solutions
- 3.5(B)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeIdentify and investigate cause-and-effect relationships to explain scientific phenomena or analyze problems
- 3.5(C)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeUse scale, proportion, and quantity to describe, compare, or model different systems
- 3.5(D)Ecosystems, Food Webs, and Matter FlowExamine and model the parts of a system and their interdependence in the function of the system
- 3.5(E)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeInvestigate the flow of energy and cycling of matter through systems
- 3.5(F)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeExplain the relationship between the structure and function of objects, organisms, and systems
- 3.5(G)Patterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeExplain how factors or conditions impact stability and change in objects, organisms, and systems
6 Matter and energy
- 3.6(A)Matter Properties, States, and ClassificationMeasure, test, and record physical properties of matter, including temperature, mass, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float in water
- 3.6(B)Matter Properties, States, and ClassificationDescribe and classify samples of matter as solids, liquids, and gases and demonstrate that solids have a definite shape and that liquids and gases take the shape of their container
- 3.6(C)Matter Properties, States, and ClassificationPredict, observe, and record changes in the state of matter caused by heating or cooling in a variety of substances such as ice becoming liquid water, condensation forming on the outside of a glass, or liquid water being heated to the point of becoming water vapor (gas)
- 3.6(D)Material Properties and UsesDemonstrate that materials can be combined based on their physical properties to create or modify objects such as building a tower or adding clay to sand to make a stronger brick and justify the selection of materials based on their physical properties
7-8 Force, motion, and energy
- 3.7(A)Forces, Motion, and InteractionsDemonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls
- 3.7(B)Forces, Motion, and InteractionsPlan and conduct a descriptive investigation to demonstrate and explain how position and motion can be changed by pushing and pulling objects such as swings, balls, and wagons
- 3.8(A)Energy Forms, Transfer, and TransformationIdentify everyday examples of energy, including light, sound, thermal, and mechanical
- 3.8(B)Conduct Investigations Speed Object Related Mechanical EnergyPlan and conduct investigations that demonstrate how the speed of an object is related to its mechanical energy
9-11 Earth and space
- 3.9(A)Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsConstruct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other
- 3.9(B)Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsIdentify the order of the planets in Earth's solar system in relation to the Sun
- 3.10(A)Water Cycle, Weather, Climate, and AtmosphereCompare and describe day-to-day weather in different locations at the same time, including air temperature, wind direction, and precipitation
- 3.10(B)Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsInvestigate and explain how soils such as sand and clay are formed by weathering of rock and by decomposition of plant and animal remains
- 3.10(C)Rapid Changes Earth'S Surface Volcanic Eruptions Earthquakes LandslidesModel and describe rapid changes in Earth's surface such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides
- 3.11(A)Natural Resources and Human ImpactsExplore and explain how humans use natural resources such as in construction, in agriculture, in transportation, and to make products
- 3.11(B)Natural Resources and Human ImpactsExplain why the conservation of natural resources is important
- 3.11(C)Natural Resources and Human ImpactsIdentify ways to conserve natural resources through reducing, reusing, or recycling
12-13 Organisms and environments
- 3.12(A)Organism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesExplain how temperature and precipitation affect animal growth and behavior through migration and hibernation and plant responses through dormancy
- 3.12(B)Ecosystems, Food Webs, and Matter FlowIdentify and describe the flow of energy in a food chain and predict how changes in a food chain such as removal of frogs from a pond or bees from a field affect the ecosystem
- 3.12(C)Organism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesDescribe how natural changes to the environment such as floods and droughts cause some organisms to thrive and others to perish or move to new locations
- 3.12(D)Organism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesIdentify fossils as evidence of past living organisms and environments, including common Texas fossils
- 3.13(A)Organism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesExplore and explain how external structures and functions of animals such as the neck of a giraffe or webbed feet on a duck enable them to survive in their environment
- 3.13(B)Organism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesExplore, illustrate, and compare life cycles in organisms such as beetles, crickets, radishes, or lima beans
Source: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (adopted in 2021). Always check the current official document before relying on a code for placement or reporting.
Texas Grade 3: Math and English Too
Science is one of three Texas grade 3 centers. Same format, same standards-first approach, for the other two subjects.
Texas Grade 3 Math
Six full practice tests, printable worksheets, step-by-step lessons, and every Texas grade 3 math standard.
Texas Grade 3 English
Reading, writing, and language standards for Texas grade 3, broken into short skill targets with practice for each one.
Texas Grade 3 Science FAQ
Does Texas test science in grade 3?
No. Texas gives STAAR Science in grades 5 and 8, so grade 3 students do not sit a state science test this year. Texas also gives a high school biology end-of-course test. The standards on this page are still the ones grade 3 teachers teach, and they are what the next science test builds on.
Which standards does grade 3 science in Texas follow?
Texas follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science, published by the Texas Education Agency. All 45 of this grade's standards are listed further down the page with their official codes.
How long are the practice tests?
Each of the six practice tests has 25 questions and a 45-minute timer. The timer auto-submits at zero and you get your score, a breakdown by science area, and a written explanation for every question.
Is any of this free?
Yes, every practice test, quiz, and flashcard set on this page is free and needs no login. Your progress is saved in your own browser and nowhere else.
What is the fastest way to use this page?
Take practice test 1 cold. Look at the topic breakdown, pick the weakest science area, and do that skill quiz. Then read the quick review for that area and come back for practice test 2.
Grade 3 Science in Other States
Standards, practice tests, and quizzes for grade 3 science in every state and Washington, D.C.
Start With One Practice Test
Grade 3 is a building year for science in Texas. Take a timed test, see which area is thinnest, and fix that one before it compounds.