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TexasBiology

Scientific Investigation and Reasoning (embedded practices)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you read a data table or graph and draw a valid conclusion from it?

Analyze and interpret data in tables and graphs to identify trends, describe relationships between variables, and draw evidence-based conclusions, as embedded across the STAAR Biology reporting categories (TEKS Biology scientific and engineering practices; patterns; using mathematics).
A TEKS-level answer on data analysis for the Texas STAAR Biology EOC: reading tables and graphs, identifying trends and relationships between variables, and drawing conclusions supported by the data, a skill embedded across every reporting category.
11 min answer →

How do you write a short constructed response that earns full points on the STAAR rubric?

Construct a written explanation that makes a claim, supports it with evidence from a stimulus, and gives scientific reasoning, to answer the STAAR Biology short constructed response on the 2-point rubric (TEKS Biology scientific and engineering practices; engaging in argument from evidence).
A TEKS-level answer on the STAAR short constructed response for the Texas STAAR Biology EOC: the claim-evidence-reasoning structure, how the 2-point rubric is scored, and how to write a complete answer using the stimulus.
11 min answer →

How do you design a fair experiment, and how do you identify the variables and controls?

Plan and evaluate a controlled investigation by identifying the independent, dependent, and controlled variables and the control group, as embedded across the STAAR Biology reporting categories (TEKS Biology scientific and engineering practices; cause and effect).
A TEKS-level answer on experimental design for the Texas STAAR Biology EOC: independent, dependent, and controlled variables, the control group, and how to design and evaluate a fair, controlled investigation, a skill embedded across every reporting category.
11 min answer →

What are the redesigned STAAR question types, and how do you approach each one?

Recognize and approach the redesigned STAAR Biology question types, including multiselect, multipart, hot spot, drag and drop, inline choice, and text entry, alongside multiple choice (TEKS Biology scientific and engineering practices; obtaining and communicating information).
A TEKS-level answer on the redesigned STAAR Biology question types for the EOC: multiselect, multipart, hot spot, drag and drop, inline choice, text entry, and short constructed response, with how each is scored and a strategy for each.
11 min answer →