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K–12 Standards

Middle School School Studies Essence Statements (2026)

Other Texas STAAR sets

Matter and Energy

  • 1

    The student understands that matter can be classified according to its properties and matter is conserved in chemical changes that occur within closed systems. (Readiness Standard)8.6

  • 2

    The student distinguishes between elements and compounds, classifies changes in matter, and understands the properties of solutions. (Readiness and Supporting Standard)7.6

  • 3

    The student knows that matter is made of atoms, can be classified according to its properties, and can undergo changes. (Supporting Standard)6.6

Force, Motion, and Energy

  • 1

    The student understands the relationship between force and motion within systems. (Readiness Standard)8.7

  • 2

    The student describes the cause-and-effect relationship between force and motion. (Supporting Standard)7.7

  • 3

    The student knows the nature of forces and their role in systems that experience stability or change. (Supporting Standard)6.7

  • 4

    The student knows how energy is transferred through waves. (Supporting Standard)8.8

  • 5

    The student understands the behavior of thermal energy as it flows into and out of systems. (Supporting Standard)7.8

  • 6

     The student knows that the total energy in systems is conserved through energy transfers and transformations. (Supporting Standard)6.8

Earth and Space

  • 1

    The student describes the characteristics of the universe and the relative scale of its components. (Readiness and Supporting Standard)8.9

  • 2

    The student understands the patterns of movement, organization, and characteristics of components of our solar system. (Supporting Standard)7.9

  • 3

    The student models the cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon and describes their effects. (Supporting Standard)6.9

  • 4

    The student knows that interactions between Earth, ocean, and weather systems impact climate. (Readiness and Supporting Standard)8.10

  • 5

    The student understands the cause and effects of plate tectonics. (Readiness and Supporting Standard)7.10

  • 6

    The student understands the rock cycle and the structure of Earth. (Supporting Standard)6.10

  • 7

    The student understands how human activity can impact the hydrosphere. (Supporting Standard)7.11

Organisms and Environments

  • 1

    The student understands stability and change in populations and ecosystems. (Readiness and Supporting Standard)8.12

  • 2

    The student understands that ecosystems are dependent upon the cycling of matter and the flow of energy. (Supporting Standard)7.12

  • 3

    The student knows that interdependence occurs between living systems and the environment. (Supporting Standard)6.12

  • 4

    The student knows how cell functions support the health of an organism and how adaptation and variation relate to survival. (Readiness and Supporting Standard)8.13

  • 5

    The student knows how systems are organized and function to support the health of an organism and how traits are inherited. (Supporting Standard)7.13

  • 6

    The student knows that organisms have an organizational structure and variations can influence survival of populations. (Supporting Standard)6.13

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8

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