Content update: New TEKS science courses for Texas classrooms

This summer, Khan Academy is expanding its Texas science offerings with three new TEKS-aligned science courses designed specifically for Texas classrooms.

These courses help students build scientific knowledge, develop scientific reasoning skills, and make connections between science concepts and the world around them. We are anticipating a late June publish.

This update is part of Khan Academy’s 2026 back-to-school content rollout. You can view the full 2026 Back To School course overview here.

New TEKS science courses

We're introducing three new science courses aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards:

• 6th grade science (TX-TEKS)
• 7th grade science (TX-TEKS)
• Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)

Together, these courses help create a more complete science pathway for Texas students from middle school through high school.

What can students expect?

Across these new courses, students will find:

• brand-new instructional videos and articles
• standards-aligned exercises and practice opportunities
• real-world science phenomena and applications
• opportunities to build scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills
• hands-on investigations and activities in select courses

Students will explore topics ranging from ecosystems and heredity to energy transfer, plate tectonics, atomic structure, and chemical reactions.

Many lessons connect science concepts to everyday experiences, helping students better understand how science shapes the world around them.

Highlights from the new courses

6th grade science (TX-TEKS)

The new 6th grade course introduces students to biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, and environmental science through an integrated approach.

Students will:

• investigate topics such as matter, forces, ecosystems, and heredity
• complete more than 45 TEKS-aligned exercise sets
• explore hands-on activities involving pollination, energy transfer, and resource management
• practice scientific thinking through new "Learn and try" articles

This course helps establish the foundation for future middle school science learning.

7th grade science (TX-TEKS)

The new 7th grade course continues the integrated science pathway and builds on concepts introduced in 6th grade.

Students will:

• explore topics such as chemical changes, plate tectonics, natural selection, and thermal energy
• complete more than 45 TEKS-aligned exercise sets
• engage with interactive activities and simulations
• strengthen scientific reasoning through both conceptual and applied practice

The course serves as a bridge between 6th grade science and 8th grade science, helping prepare students for the more advanced science concepts they will encounter in high school.

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)

The new IPC course provides an accessible introduction to both physics and chemistry concepts for Texas high school students.

Students will:

• explore atomic structure, chemical reactions, force and motion, energy, waves, and electricity
• complete more than 60 exercise sets
• use interactive simulations and hands-on investigations
• apply science concepts to real-world questions and phenomena

The course is designed to help students build confidence in science while preparing for future chemistry and physics coursework.

What can teachers expect?

Each course includes resources designed to support classroom implementation and student success.

Teachers will find:

• TEKS-aligned instructional materials
• dedicated teacher guides
• standards-aligned exercises
• guidance for addressing common misconceptions
• support for differentiation and flexible implementation
• hands-on activities and investigations in applicable courses

The middle school science courses also integrate scientific and engineering practices (SEPs) and recurring themes and concepts (RTCs), helping students build scientific habits of mind alongside content knowledge.

Why are these courses being added?

These new courses are designed to provide Texas educators and students with high-quality, standards-aligned science resources that support learning across multiple grade levels.

By combining engaging instructional content, real-world applications, hands-on investigations, and opportunities for scientific reasoning, these courses help students develop both science knowledge and the skills needed to think like scientists.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or reach out.