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Science.3.11.A

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The student is expected to

explore and explain how humans use natural resources such as in construction, in agriculture, in transportation, and to make products;

A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”

  • Overview
  • Alignments
Side-by-Side 

SCIENCE.3.11.A — Vertical Alignment

Vertical alignment shows student expectations in the same subject area at different grade levels that are related to or build upon one another.

S.1.11.A

identify and describe how plants, animals, and humans use rocks, soil, and water;

S.2.11.A

distinguish between natural and manmade resources; and

S.3.11.A

explore and explain how humans use natural resources such as in construction, in agriculture, in transportation, and to make products;

S.4.11.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;

S.5.10.B
model and describe the processes that led to the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels; and
IPC.6.G
evaluate evidence from multiple sources to critique the advantages and disadvantages of various renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and their impact on society and the environment.
AQUA.10.D
describe human uses of fresh water and how human freshwater use competes with that of other organisms.
ENVIR.6.C
document the use and conservation of both renewable and non-renewable resources as they pertain to sustainability;
EARTH.12.E
predict how human use of Texas's naturally occurring resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, soil, solar energy, and wind energy directly and indirectly changes the cycling of matter and energy through Earth's systems; and
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Recurring themes and concepts — Connections to the content

Recurring themes and concepts provide a connective structure for scientific ideas across disciplines. The connection(s) below show some ways that teachers can help students understand how the content they are learning fits into the broader understanding of science. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made but highlight some that are appropriate for this grade level.
Flow of energy and cycling of matter through systems

Matter and energy are conserved, changing forms but maintaining quantities. Energy flows within a system or between systems through transfers and transformations. Matter is cycled within systems through physical and chemical processes.

Matter from natural resources is cycled into products such as rock and brick for buildings. Energy resources cycle the energy of the Sun or oil into electricity for human use.

Relationship between structure and function

A structure is an organized arrangement of particles, parts, or elements in a substance, body, or entity. A function is the purpose or reason for something to exist in a system. The function of a structure depends on the shapes of and relationships among its essential parts.

The properties of certain resources determine their use (function). For example, trees are used for construction and to burn as fuel because of their composition.

Cross-curricular Connections

The cross-curricular connections are designed to help educators make content connections between the science TEKS and math, English language arts and reading, social studies, and technology applications. The standards below illustrate alignment between grade level content areas which may help educators develop cross-curricular lessons. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made.
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Social Studies

SS.3.3.A describe similarities and differences in the physical environment, including climate, landforms, natural resources, and natural hazards

SS.3.3.B identify and compare how people in different communities adapt to or modify the physical environment in which they live such as deserts, mountains, wetlands, and plains

English Language Arts and Reading

ELAR.3.6.E make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society

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