In order for students to have the necessary support to complete their projects, users are encouraged to support student completion of the learning experiences and independent research as described in each of the task descriptions. Two or more students may collaborate in Phase I and/or Phase II. When there is collaboration, each student’s individual learning must be documented.
Each campus determines the best avenues for project participation. However, in order for students to have the necessary support to complete their projects, each campus is encouraged to complete the learning experiences and independent research as described in each of the project descriptions. Two or more students may collaborate in Phase I and/or Phase II. When there is collaboration, each student's individual learning must be documented.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is redesigning the TPSP tasks to reflect a 7E framework. Currently, approximately half of the TPSP tasks have been restructured to reflect a 7E instructional framework. These tasks have been included on this website for download via the link that appears just below the original TPSP task download button. The 7E model is an extension of the original 5E model developed by a team of educators at the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study to maximize student engagement in learning.
Elicit - Access and ascertain prior knowledge and understanding
Teacher can frame “what do you think” questions.
Engage - Generate enthusiasm and stimulate interest and thinking
Teacher can surprise students, get students thinking, or raise questions through compelling demonstrations or presentations.
Explore - Provide opportunities to observe, record data, design experiments, interpret results, organize findings
Teacher can frame questions, suggest approaches, provide feedback, and assess understanding.
Explain - Introduce models, laws, and theories
Teacher can guide students toward generalizations and provide terminology and questions that help students explain their explorations.
Elaborate - Provide opportunities to apply knowledge to new domains
Teacher can introduce new variables and pose new questions/ scenarios in which students practice transfer of knowledge.
Evaluate - Provide formative and summative assessment opportunities, including self-reflection
Teacher can conduct ongoing assessment of student learning through all phases.
Extend - Provide additional challenges that allow students to apply knowledge
Teachers can provide new contexts for application of knowledge that allow students to go one step further.
For more information on the 7E model, see Eisencraft, A. (2003). Expanding the 5E model. The Science Teacher, 70(6), pp. 56–59. Retrieved from http://its-about-time.com/htmls/ap/eisenkrafttst.pdf
For those TPSP tasks adapted to the 7E format, Phase I Learning Experiences provide suggested activities aligned with Elicit, Engage, Explore, and Explain. Phase II Research Process provides suggested activities to Elaborate, Explain, Evaluate, and Extend. While 7E tasks will always begin with Elicit and Engage and end with Evaluate and Extend, the sequence of Explore, Explain, and Elaborate can vary, often with recurrences of Explore and Explain throughout the task.
Use this guide to get an in-depth overview of the Middle School Level TPSP.
download Middle School Guide to SuccessGuides students through the research process to ensure depth and complexity of learning.
download Middle School COLEF ChartsAssist administrators in evaluating the effectiveness of instruction in G/T classrooms.
download Middle School Level WalkthroughUse this to help you evaluate student performance on the tasks.
download Middle School Assessment Rubric
Sample Project, Grade 6
A sixth-grade student presents their invention of an Android Bluetooth-controlled outlet. This includes the materials used, design process, and ultimate financial savings associated with the outlet.
Sample Project, Grade 6
A sixth-grade student presents a research project on the possibility of humans living on a planet other than Earth. This includes a discussion of potential habitable planets according to the Goldilocks Zone concept.
Sample Project, Grade 6
A group of sixth-grade students present a research project on the country of Georgia. This includes an overview of Georgian history, culture, and local landmarks of interest.
Sample Project, Grade 7
Two seventh-grade students present a research project on video games. Specifically, this project explores the evolution of video games and the potential benefits of gaming.
Sample Project, Grade 7
A seventh-grade student explores the role of Edmond B. Gregory in the production and use of the Jeep during World War II. This research study presentation details the controversy surrounding the development and creation of the Jeep for use in war.
Sample Project, Grade 7
A seventh-grade student presents the processes of self- and traditional book publishing. This includes an overview of the entire publishing process, from conception to distribution.
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