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Emily Horn

Emily has been in education since 2008. Prior to joining TCEA in 2021, she worked as a preK-8 grade principal for four years. Additionally, she taught middle school music, preschool, prekindergarten, and second grade in a trilingual school setting. Before that, she was a K-8 technology integrator and taught second through fifth grade enrichment classes and kindergarten, fifth, and sixth grade technology classes. She has a master’s degree in teaching, specializing in elementary education, and her Certificate of School Management and Leadership (CSML) from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Outside of work, she enjoys seeing movies, attending concerts, going camping and hiking, and spending time with her two cats.

K-8 Tech Apps TEKS Free, Editable Spreadsheets with "I can" statements and standards.
Technology ApplicationsTEKS

The NEW K-8 Tech App TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Teachers all over the U.S. are getting ready for summer! Who’s ready? *raises hand* Teachers in Texas are also preparing to implement several new TEKS in the upcoming school year. One area that got an update in 2022 was Technology Applications. Let’s look at the new K-8 Tech Apps TEKS to be implemented in August 2024. You’ll also get some free, editable spreadsheets that include “I can” statements.

What Are the TEKS?

In short, the TEKS are the curricular standards adopted by the Texas State Board of Education. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each content area for each grade level. State-mandated tests are aligned with these standards to measure student achievement and skills acquisition. If you’d like to learn about other TEKS, take a look at these articles:

About the K-8 Tech App TEKS

The new K-8 Tech Apps TEKS were adopted in 2022 to be implemented in schools across Texas in August 2024. TEA has very clearly outlined the updates and revisions to these TEKS, and here are those updates summarized:

1. The Tech App TEKS are no longer presented in grade level bands (e.g., K-2). Each grade level has its own Tech App TEKS.

2. The knowledge and skills are organized into five strands with coordinating substrands that connect to real-world problems and encourage problem solving :

  • Strand 1: Computational thinking (new)
    • Foundations
    • Applications
  • Strand 2: Creativity and innovation
    • Innovative Design Process
    • Emerging Technologies (introduced in Grade 1)
  • Strand 3: Data literacy, management, and representation (new)
    • Collect Data
    • Organize, Manage, and Analyze Data (introduced in Grade 3)
    • Communicate and Publish Results (introduced in Grade 2)
  • Strand 4: Digital citizenship
    • Social Interactions
    • Ethics and Laws
    • Privacy, Safety, and Security
  • Strand 5: Practical technology concepts
    • Processes (introduced in Grade 3)
    • Skills and Tools

3. Communication and collaboration are woven throughout these TEKS.

4. The terms “with assistance” and “with or without technology” are included to clarify expectations regarding autonomy and technology use.

5. There is an emphasis on the fact that the Tech App TEKS can be integrated into all subject areas. Additionally, schools and districts have the freedom to use them in a “stand-alone course” or embed them within certain courses or subjects.

6. Within the standards, “such as” is used to illustrate examples, whereas “including” alludes to content that must be mastered.

For a breakdown of what is included in each grade level, you can see this slide deck published by TEA.

Screenshot by Emily Horn | “Understanding the Updated in the Revised Technology Application TEKS by TEA

Helpful TEKS Resources

Tech Apps TEKS Freebies from TCEA

As promised, here are some TCEA freebies for you! Below are links to editable spreadsheets for the K-8 Tech Apps TEKS. Within these spreadsheets, you will find a tab for the grade level TEKS and a second tab for “I Can” statements based on the TEKS. Feel free to make a copy of the spreadsheets and use them in whatever way would best benefit you. Is there something else TEKS-related that would be helpful? If so, let me know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

Free & Editable Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheets
Grade K Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade K Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 1 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 1 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 2 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 2 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 3 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 3 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 4 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 4 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 5 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 5 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 6 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 6 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 7 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 7 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet
Grade 8 Technology Applications TEKS spreadsheet
Get a copy of the Grade 8 Tech Apps TEKS Spreadsheet

Additional STAAR and TEKS Articles You May Find Useful

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Explore five low-prep to no-prep end-of-year activities for the last days of school!
AdobeEnd of Year

Five End-of-Year Activities for the Last Days of School

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

It’s that time of year when everything is wrapping up, things are winding down, desks are being cleaned, and supplies are being organized for summer storage. In the middle of the hustle and bustle, here are a few no-prep or very low-prep end-of-year activities to use! Have a little fun taking strategies, games, or tools you may already know and love and giving them a little twist. Let’s dive in!

1. Mix-Pair-Share 

Have fun with the beloved and simple-to-use Kagan strategy, Mix-Pair-Share. Add in some end-of-the-year questions, and you have a simple, prep-free activity for the final days of school. Have students spread out around the room or stand by their desks. Play music and prompt them to walk around the room to “mix up.” When the music stops, students can high-five the person closest to them. If you’d prefer not to use music, you can use a timer and say, “Pair up!” when it’s time for students to find a partner. Each time they partner up, choose a different question to ask, and students share their answers with their partner.  Here are some questions you can use, or edit this document to create your own! Read them over before using them to be sure they’re a good fit for your class.

Extension: Display the template with your projector and come up with questions as a class! Students can also create questions in pairs, and you can compile them for this activity.

End-of-year questions about school to use with Mix-Pair-Share!
Access the Editable Questions

2. Elbow-to-Elbow Read Alouds

Take students of any age to an elementary library! Have them choose their favorite children’s picture book to read with a partner. Even older students love to revisit favorites from their childhood! Ask the students to sit elbow to elbow, switching off the reading by page so that both get the opportunity to read aloud. If you don’t have access to an elementary school library, you can pick up some favorite picture books from the local library to bring in.

Extension: Have students write a brief notecard book review and summary of their book like some bookstores do! These can be given to the librarians and displayed with the books to add interest. Or, students can record their reviews using Flip! These videos can be turned into QR codes to be displayed, scanned, and watched in the library.

Access the Editable Book Review Template

3. Adobe Express Creative Challenge

Adobe for Education just dropped a brand new creative challenge for May, “Top 5 From the School Year.” Here’s a rundown of how it works:

The contest will close on May 31, 2024. This activity provides you with the link to an editable template to use with your students. Click the link, edit the template, explore generative AI features, customize the design, and even add voiceover if you’d like! You can also submit a post-challenge survey and enter to win Adobe Express-branded Stanley H20 Tumblers!

4. Commit and Toss

Commit and Toss is a great formative assessment that allows students to answer questions anonymously. With a twist, it can also be used as a fun end-of-year activity! Display these made-up words and definitions for students to see. Go over each one before beginning the activity.

  • Whimsyhop: (Noun) A fantastical shop that sells bottled laughter, jars of dreams, and bouncing clouds as pillows.
  • Scribblefluff: (Noun) A fluffy creature made entirely of colorful scribbles that comes to life when a child uses their imagination.
  • Sniffersnack: (Noun) A delicious snack that can only be smelled, not tasted, but fills your mind with happy memories.
  • Blinkhopper: (Noun) A tiny creature with enormous ears that can jump from story to story in a book by using illustrations as stepping stones.
  • Moonbeam Weaver: (Noun) A magical spider that spins shimmering webs of moonlight that grant wishes when touched.
  • Gigglegrass: (Noun) A type of grass that tickles your toes and makes you erupt in uncontrollable laughter when you walk on it.
  • Worlybabble: (Verb) To speak in a language only understood by clouds, creating beautiful shapes in the sky.
  • Moonsnooze: (Noun) A peaceful lullaby sung by the moon, guaranteed to send anyone into a restful sleep.
  • Fuzzgle: (Verb) To snuggle up with something so soft it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
  • Doodlekins: (Noun) A tiny insect with wings made of colorful doodles, that leaves behind a trail of creativity wherever it flies.

Fill up a bowl or cup with pieces of paper, each with a made-up word written on it. Have students pick a piece of paper from the cup or bowl, keeping the word they drew a secret. Set a timer and have students draw an illustration for the word they picked, but they should not include any text in the illustration. When the timer is up, students crumple the drawings and toss them into the middle of the room (or a bag, box, etc.). Then, you pick up each crumpled piece of paper, open it up, and have the students guess which word the drawing represents.

Extension: Have students come up with their own made-up words and definitions. This can be done individually or with partners. Shake it up even more by having half the class make up words and the other half make up definitions; then, they can mix and match the words to the definitions for some funny, new vocabulary.

5. Connections

If you’ve not yet played the second most popular game from the New York Times, you should definitely give Connections a try. In this game, you sort 16 words into four groups of four based on an unknown connection. For example, you might choose the words cow, zebra, dalmatian, and panda. In this case, the connection might be “Animals that are black and white.” TCEA’s Peggy Reimers explains the game in her recent TechNotes article.

Make Connections Games for the Classroom

Additionally, Peggy outlines the benefits of Connections for students and provides three resources for quickly and easily creating your own Connections games! Make Connections for your students to solve or have them create their own to share with their peers. This is a fun and simple way to get students thinking. Plus, these puzzles can be solved individually, in pairs, or even as a whole class activity.

Which of these activities will you try? Maybe you have an idea for another twist or extension to add. Let us know how it goes in the comments, and have a great last month of school!

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The new K-5 social studies TEKS will be implemented in August of 2024. Here are spreadsheets with the TEKS and coordinating "I Can" statements.
Social StudiesTEKS

The New K-5 Social Studies TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Today we’ve got more editable TEKS for you— the new K-5 Social Studies TEKS! Do you have a set of TEKS you’d like to see published? I’m working my way through the K-12 content areas. Leave a comment or send me an email at ehorn@tcea.org, and I’ll add them to my running list. Today, we’ll be exploring the revised Social Studies TEKS that will go into effect on August 1, 2024. Here we go!

What Are the TEKS?

In short, the TEKS are the curricular standards adopted by the Texas State Board of Education. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each content area for each grade level. State-mandated tests are aligned with these standards to measure student achievement and skills acquisition.

About the K-5 Social Studies TEKS

The new K-5 Social Studies TEKS were adopted in 2022 and take effect at the start of the upcoming 2024 school year. The introduction for the Social Studies TEKS is similar to that of the 2018 TEKS. Let’s take a look at the main points.

  1. The first section of the introduction outlines the focus of study for each grade level. To support teaching, a variety of rich materials and resources, including those from museums and historical sites, are encouraged.
  2. There is a focus on integrating the social studies TEKS with other disciplines and critical thinking skills to facilitate deeper understanding.
  3. Additionally, the eight strands are clearly outlined for grades K-12:
    • Strand 1: History
    • Strand 2: Geography
    • Strand 3: Economics
    • Strand 4: Government
    • Strand 5: Citizenship
    • Strand 6: Culture
    • Strand 7: Science, technology, and society
    • Strand 8: Social studies skills
  4. The curriculum across grades K-12 builds a foundation in various social studies disciplines and skills, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and functioning in a free enterprise society.
  5. “Free enterprise society” may also be referred to as capitalism or the free market system within the curriculum.
  6. There is an emphasis on helping students understand the values of our state and nation and the nature of a constitutional republic as a representative government.
  7. Additionally, it outlines that discussions about U.S. citizens’ and governments’ actions in achieving the ideals of the founding documents are part of the curriculum.
  8. There is also mention of Celebrate Freedom Week requirements specific to each grade level.
  9. Within the standards, “such as” is used to illustrate examples, whereas “including” alludes to content that must be mastered.

Helpful TEKS Documents

K-5 Social Studies TEKS Freebies from TCEA

Now it’s time for the editable freebies! Below are spreadsheets for the grades K-5 Social Studies TEKS. Each spreadsheet contains one tab with the TEKS and a second tab with “I can” statements. I hope you find these useful and that they save you a little time.

K-5 social studies TEKS spreadsheets
K social studies TEKS editable spreadsheets and "I can" statements
Click to make a copy of the Kindergarten Social Studies TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 1 social studies TEKS editable spreadsheets and "I can" statements
Click to make a copy of the Grade 1 Social Studies TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 2 social studies TEKS editable spreadsheets and "I can" statements
Click to make a copy of the Grade 2 Social Studies TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 3 social studies TEKS editable spreadsheets and "I can" statements
Click to make a copy of the Grade 3 Social Studies TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 4 social studies TEKS editable spreadsheets and "I can" statements
Click to make a copy of the Grade 4 Social Studies TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 5 social studies TEKS editable spreadsheets and "I can" statements
Click to make a copy of the Grade 5 Social Studies TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet

Additional STAAR and TEKS Articles You May Find Useful

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Earth Day is the perfect time to inspire students with activities, lessons, and projects about caring for the earth.
Earth DayScienceScienceSeasonal ActivitiesSTEM/STEAM

Earth Day Ideas to Inspire Young Eco-Heroes

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is a global day dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. Originating in 1970, it has grown into a worldwide movement, emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving our planet. For educators, Earth Day provides a unique opportunity to inspire students with the values of environmental stewardship, integrating educational activities that emphasize the importance of caring for our planet. Here are several ways K-12 schools can celebrate Earth Day and instill a sense of environmental responsibility.

1. Start with an Earth Day assembly.

Kick off Earth Day with a school-wide assembly that highlights the importance of the day. Invite guest speakers, such as local environmentalists, scientists, or activists, to share their insights on environmental protection and sustainability. This can be an inspiring way to start the day, making students more receptive to the activities planned. You can have classes share projects they are working on for Earth Day. Consider playing trivia or sharing quizzes from EarthDay.org to spread awareness on certain issues. You can also announce a school-wide clean-up day to beautify the community and instill a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

2. Organize environmental workshops and projects.

Plan workshops and projects that focus on various environmental themes, such as recycling, composting, water conservation, and renewable energy. Tailor these workshops to different age groups, ensuring the content is age-appropriate and engaging. Hands-on activities, such as building a compost bin or creating art from recycled materials, can make these lessons more impactful. There are many cities with nonprofits, associations, and organizations (like Keep Austin Beautiful) with missions for providing environmental education programming, events, and resources to the community. You can also contact universities near you to see if they offer programming or would like to collaborate on a workshop or project.

3. Plant trees and create gardens.

Tree planting is a quintessential Earth Day activity that can have a lasting impact on the environment. If space allows, create a school garden or a green space where students can plant trees, flowers, and even vegetables. This not only beautifies the school environment but also serves as a practical lesson in botany and ecology. You can also join One Tree Planted’s T.R.E.E.S. School Program or apply for free trees for Earth Day 2025 through Neighborhood Forest. Kids Gardening also shares a multitude of tips and resources for planning a school garden program. The Nature Conservancy provides lessons on how to build a school garden step-by-step along with other gardening lessons.

4. Host an Earth Day Fair!

An Earth Day fair can showcase students’ projects on environmental topics, such as climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainable living. This can include poster presentations, models, and even digital projects. Involve the local community by inviting parents and other community members to view and discuss the projects, fostering a larger community of environmental stewards. Science Buddies offers “Nine Steps to Plan Your Virtual Science Fair” that can be easily transferred to an Earth Day Fair if you’d prefer to go digital with your event!

5. Incorporate environmental lessons and activities in your classroom.

While Earth Day is a great time to focus on environmental education, integrating these topics into the curriculum throughout the year can reinforce the importance of sustainability. Subjects like science, geography, and even literature can include lessons on environmental protection, conservation, and the effects of climate change. Here are several additional resources for Earth Day you can use on April 22 or any day:

Celebrating Earth Day in K-12 schools is more than just a one-day event; it’s an opportunity to sow the seeds of environmental stewardship in young minds. By engaging students in activities that emphasize the importance of caring for the planet, educators can inspire a new generation of environmental protectors. From hands-on projects like tree planting and clean-ups to incorporating environmental education into the curriculum, there are countless ways to make Earth Day meaningful for students. By fostering an appreciation for the natural world and the importance of sustainable practices, schools can play a pivotal role in ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

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6-8 ELAR TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets
ELAREnglish Language ArtsReadingTEKS

The Middle School ELAR TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

We’re back with more editable TEKS! I’m working my way through the K-12 content areas, and if there’s a set of TEKS you’d like to see published, send me an email at ehorn@tcea.org or leave a comment, and I’ll add them to my running list. Today, we’ll be exploring the Middle School ELAR TEKS. Who’s with me? Anybody? Bueller? Let’s go!

What Are the TEKS?

In short, the TEKS are the curricular standards adopted by the Texas State Board of Education. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each content area for each grade level. State-mandated tests are aligned with these standards to measure student achievement and skills acquisition.

About the Middle School ELAR TEKS

The current Middle School ELAR TEKS were adopted in 2017 and amended to be effective in 2019. The introduction for the 6-8 grade ELAR TEKS is almost identical to its K-5 counterpart. Let’s take a look at how middle school knowledge and skills build upon the foundation of the K-5 ELAR TEKS.

  1. Like the K-5 ELAR TEKS, grades 6-8 focus on the four domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  2. Additionally, the seven strands started within the K-5 TEKS continue through grades 6-8:
    • Strand 1: Developing and sustaining foundational language
    • Strand 2: Comprehension
    • Strand 3: Response
    • Strand 4: Multiple texts
    • Strand 5: Author’s purpose and craft
    • Strand 6: Composition
    • Strand 7: Inquiry and research
  3. The focus on oral language (expression and comprehension) continues to weave through these grade 6-8 ELAR TEKS as a focal point for literacy as well as authentic reading and reflective writing.
  4. As in K-5, it is clearly stated within the 6-8 ELAR TEKS that each strand is of equal value, although some strands may require more instructional time than others. The strands can be presented in any order but they should be integrated throughout the instructional year.
  5. References to encoding and decoding have been removed from this intro, as would be expected.
  6. The goal remains for students to become “self-directed, critical learners who work collaboratively while continuously using metacognitive skills.”
  7. As in K-5, there should be daily opportunities for students to read, write, engage in academic discussions, and be read to.
  8. English Language Learners (ELLs) are expected to meet standards in a second language, and their language development affects their ability to demonstrate mastery of skills in English. Therefore, they should be provided scaffolding for text comprehension and linguistic accommodations to help ensure mastery.
  9. ELLs should also be encouraged to use their first language to help them develop and build English vocabulary. Making connections between a native language and English is important to English language development (affective, cognitive, and academic).
  10. Within the standards, “such as” is used to illustrate examples, whereas “including” alludes to content that must be mastered.

Helpful TEKS Documents

6-8 Grade ELAR TEKS Freebies from TCEA

Ready for some editable freebies? Snag spreadsheets for grades 6-8 ELAR below. Each spreadsheet contains one tab with the TEKS and a second tab with “I can” statements. I hope you find these useful and that they save you a little time somehow.

English Language Arts Free and Editable TEKS Spreadsheets
Grade 8 ELAR TEKS Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 6 ELAR TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 7 ELAR TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 8 ELAR TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet

Additional STAAR and TEKS Articles You May Find Useful

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An infographic with K-5 Editable Science TEKS Spreadsheets shown.
ScienceScienceTEKS

The NEW K-5 Science TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

I’m back again with more info on Texas teachers’ most beloved topic: the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This time, we’ll look at some information on the new K-5 Science TEKS. How new are they? So new, they’ll be implemented next school year. You may have seen my posts about the K-5 ELAR TEKS (which contains information on how the TEKS are reviewed and revised) and the K-5 math TEKS. But today, we have long-awaited and highly anticipated editable spreadsheets with the new science TEKS and coordinating “I Can” statements for grades K-5. Who’s excited? Just me? Ok.

What Are the TEKS?

In short, the TEKS are the curricular standards adopted by the Texas State Board of Education. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each content area for each grade level. State-mandated tests are aligned with these standards to measure student achievement and skills acquisition.

About the Science TEKS

In 2021, the SBOE approved the new K-12 Science TEKS, which will be implemented in the 2024-2025 school year. Here are some top things to know (from the 2021 Science TEKS introduction) and a few notable differences between the 2017 Science TEKS and the updated 2021 TEKS:

1. Within the Science TEKS introductions for each grade level, there is a brief overview of the concepts covered. This is helpful for understanding the overarching science content covered in each grade and how prior knowledge is built upon year after year in vertical alignment.

2. Previously, the science standards focused on 1) scientific investigation and reasoning, 2) matter and energy, 3) force, motion, and energy, 4) earth and space, and 5) organisms and environments. However, these were not formally called “strands.” The new TEKS content officially has five “strands.” The only change is that 2017’s “scientific investigation and reasoning” was updated to “scientific and engineering practices” in 2021. Here are the current strands for the Science TEKS:

  • Scientific and engineering practices.
  • Matter and its properties.
  • Force, motion, and energy.
  • Earth and space.
  • Organisms and environment.

3. The updated TEKS intro goes further to explain scientific inquiry and describe and define the three methods of investigation that should be employed:

  • Descriptive: This has no hypothesis, answers a research question, and involves collecting and recording data without comparing.
  • Correlative and comparative: These have a hypothesis, predict a relationship, involve collecting and recording data, comparing results, etc.
  • Experimental: Similar to comparative, this involves testing a hypothesis by comparing “a treatment with a control.”

4. As part of the scientific and engineering practices, the new TEKS introduction defines scientific practices and engineering practices. Additionally, like the 2017 Science TEKS, there is a minimum percentage of instructional time recommended for each grade level to spend integrating scientific and engineering practices. The suggested percentages for each grade level did not change between the 2017 and 2021 Science TEKS.

5. The 2021 Science TEKS introduction kept the same definition of science from the National Academy of Sciences but expanded upon it. The new TEKS acknowledge that science is changing, stating that students should be aware that some phenomena aren’t currently able to be tested, so some questions may go unanswered.

6. Additionally, the new Science TEKS intro clearly defines scientific observations, inferences, hypotheses, and scientific theories, whereas the 2017 introduction did not.

7. Another new addition to the 2021 TEKS is the inclusion of a statement on “science and social ethics.” This statement basically says that science has ethics for conducting research. Students should know the difference between scientific ethics and broader ethics involving science.

8. Like the 2017 introduction, the 2021 TEKS includes a section on “recurring themes and concepts.” However, the 2021 version is more robust, further defining structure and function, systems, models, patterns, change, and constancy.

9. As in the 2017 version, within the standards, “such as” is used to illustrate examples, whereas “including” alludes to content that must be mastered.

Helpful TEKS Documents

Science TEKS Freebies from TCEA

Ok. That’s done! Now let’s get to the freebies. Click the links to make a copy of the editable TEKS spreadsheets for your grade level(s). Each spreadsheet has a tab with the TEKS and a tab with correlating “I can” statements. Is there something else TEKS-related that would be helpful? If so, let me know in the comments or send me an email (ehorn@tcea.org). I’d love to hear from you!

A blue, gold, and white infographic with the title "Free and Editable Science TEKS Grades K-5 Spreadsheets:
K Science TEKS Spreadsheet image
Click to make a copy of the Kindergarten Science TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 1 Science TEKS Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 1 Science TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 2 Science TEKS Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 2 Science TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 3 Science TEKS Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 3 Science TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Grade 4 Science TEKS Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 4 Science TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet
Click to make a copy of the Grade 5 Science TEKS and “I Can” Statement Spreadsheet

Additional STAAR and TEKS Articles You May Find Useful

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Blog Featured Image with red, yellow, and blue shapes. Title "8 Must-Try AI-Powered Chrome Extensions and Features."
AI/VRArtificial Intelligence

Eight Must-Try AI-Powered Chrome Extensions and Features 

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

The value of artificial intelligence (AI) for educators is brimming with possibilities for boosting productivity, efficiency, and time-saving solutions for more cumbersome and repetitive tasks. And AI tools also offer a lot of possibilities when it comes to enhancing instruction and learning. Let’s take a look at AI-powered Chrome extensions and features that might just be game changers for recalibrating your work-life balance while also enhancing your work.

1. Brisk Teaching

Screenshot by the Author | Google Web Store | Brisk Teaching

Brisk Teaching integrates seamlessly into your workflow overlaying tools like Google Classroom. This free AI-powered Chrome extension handles tasks like lessons, assessments, and progress reports. Adjust reading levels, summarize articles, and inspect student work for AI use. Brisk simplifies workload and uses advanced AI to work smarter! This easy-to-use tool engineered for educators’ needs is always free for teachers, but there are school and district accounts available. 

2. Sider: ChatGPT Sidebar

Sider: ChatGPT Sidebar is a top AI Chrome extension for productivity, completely a variety of tasks quickly and effortlessly.
Screenshot by the Author | Google Web Store | Sider: ChatGPT Sidebar

Sider: ChatGPT Sidebar is an all-in-one AI assistant that makes teaching easier. This handy AI-powered Chrome extension integrates ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard directly into your workflows to automate tedious tasks. Summarize articles and videos in seconds and chat with images, PDFs, and web pages. Plus, get instant feedback on lessons, simplify research and grading, and more. Sider allows you to reuse prompts and tap into the latest AI models for fresh, in-context insights. 

3. MagicSchool AI

Yes, MagicSchool has an AI-powered Chrome extension! Eliminate tab toggling and access the magic of MagicSchool right from platforms like Gmail, Google Classroom, Canvas, and more. Revolutionize your workflow with 50+ AI-powered smart tools to make teaching easier. Instantly create engaging lessons, personalized math problems, quizzes, feedback, IEPs, and more. Generate content quickly, communicate efficiently, and differentiate instruction effortlessly. It’s an easy-to-use extension designed by educators for educators! 

4. Three New Built-In AI Features

In January 2024, Chrome announced three new generative AI features! First, it’s important to note that because these features are still in the early experimental stages, they aren’t turned on for enterprise or education accounts for now. So, you’ll have to test them out in your personal Google account for the time being. To access them, go to the three-dot menu in the top right corner of your Chrome browser, select “Settings,” and access the “Experimental AI” page. Chrome’s new tab organizer feature automatically groups similar tabs to simplify tab management. Custom themes can now be generated with AI based on your desired subject, mood, style, and color for personalized browsing. Also coming soon in February is a writing assistant to help craft responses, reviews, RSVPs, and more with confidence across any website. 

5. TinEye

TinEye is an AI-Powered Chrome extension for reverse image searching.
Screenshot by the Author | Google Web Store | TinEye

The official TinEye extension allows reverse image search directly from Chrome. Right-click any image to find its origin, usage across the web, or higher resolution versions. TinEye pioneered reverse image search to make images searchable. The extension taps TinEye’s image recognition technology to enhance verifying profiles, attributing images, debunking fakes, and more. With secure, private searching that never saves queries, this extension aims to simplify image investigation within your browsing workflow. Teach students the importance of properly sourcing and attributing images they use in projects and presentations. 

6. MaxAI

MaxAi.me boosts productivity across platforms.
Screenshot by the Author | Google Web Store | MaxAi.me

MaxAi.me turbocharges productivity with writing enhancement, task automation, and time savings. This all-in-one AI-powered Chrome extension taps advanced models like ChatGPT and Claude to perfect emails, documents, and posts in just a click. Effortlessly summarize content, explain concepts, translate text, and more while you work. MaxAI aims to simplify access to leading-edge AI through seamless integration with your workflow. Say goodbye to juggling multiple tools and tabs! Enjoy frictionless AI assistance built into your browser that saves hours, boosts output quality, and makes you more efficient across all websites and apps.

7. GPT for Sheets and Docs

GPT for Sheets and Docs is and AI add-on available in Google Workspace Marketplace.
Screenshot by the Author | Google Workspace Marketplace | GPT for Sheets and Docs

GPT for Sheets and Docs seamlessly brings the power of AI like ChatGPT and Claude directly into Google’s workspace tools. Educators can now leverage cutting-edge language models to write, edit, summarize, translate, and more right within documents and spreadsheets. This add-on aims to simplify access to advanced AI to automate repetitive tasks, so you can generate lessons, assignments, quizzes, feedback, and more with just a click. GPT for Sheets and Docs amps up efficiency so you can focus on student connections.

8. Text Blaze

Text Blaze AI Chrome Extension is available in the Chrome web store.
Screenshot by the Author | Google Web Store | Text Blaze

Text Blaze saves time with text expansion by using shortcuts. Insert templates anywhere with custom keyboard shortcuts. Automate repetitive typing, like greetings, signatures, and canned responses. Plus, it works across all websites and apps. You can build smart templates with dynamic fields, date/time, and formulas (hello, lesson planning!), and share and collaborate on snippets with your team. Search and insert templates instantly while working and tab between fields to automate workflows. It means billions of keystrokes saved for 400,000+ users. Talk about an AI-powered Chrome Extension for boosted productivity! 

The influx of AI into education is opening up exciting new possibilities for productivity and innovation. By integrating AI seamlessly into existing platforms, these Chrome tools aim to put advanced capabilities right at teachers’ fingertips. While approached thoughtfully and ethically, such AI advancements could free up precious time for educators to focus on what matters most, connecting with students. The future looks bright for continued AI integration that empowers teachers to work smarter, not harder. What tool will you try first?

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An 81 piece Quaker friendship quilt pictured on the left. On the right is a picture of one of the quilt blocks showing a hand-written message and signature.
HistoryMathMathematicsSocial-Emotional Learning

Friendship Quilts Bring History, Math, and SEL Together

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

You’ve heard of Valentine’s Day, but have you heard of Palentine’s Day? Celebrated on February 13, this is a holiday that celebrates friendship. So, why not celebrate with students in a special way— by making a friendship quilt! Let’s take a look at why quilts are important and the significance of the friendship quilt. Then, you’ll explore a friendship quilt-inspired Palentine’s Day activity and plenty of additional resources for rich lessons on quilts.

Why Are Quilts Important?

My grandmother, Ma, made each of her children and grandchildren several quilts throughout our lives— Christmas quilts, quilts for graduation, quilts made of old blue jeans, quilts made from material with patterns representing hobbies or interests, etc. She wasn’t a show quilter or professional, but she would spend hours choosing material, measuring, piecing patterns, pinning, and sewing. My ever-patient grandfather, Pa, was called upon for all the meticulous cutting that my grandmother did not particularly enjoy. She would always include a little cross-stitched patch with our name, “Love, Ma,” and the date, which is my favorite part. I will cherish and keep these quilts forever!

Photo of a quilt with a cross-sticked message from the quilter.
Quilt made by Ma in 2002

As a young girl, my mom saved up all her extra money over time to get me an American Girl Doll, the absolute prized possession of so many children in the late 80s and 90s. I had wanted one for a long time! And my first experience with quilting myself was when my Ma helped me sew a small quilt to cover my American Girl Doll with at night, you know, while she was sleeping. I’ll never forget sitting with her, talking, and learning about sewing and how to cut and measure the squares. Now, this is just a bit of my personal experience with quilts and quilting, but it is a very teeny tiny reflection of how quilting is passed down and how relational it can be.

A 16x16 inch (4x4 quilt block) doll quilt sewn by the author and her grandmother.
16″ x 16″ babydoll quilt made with my Ma circa 1990.

Quilting is a skilled art passed from generation to generation. It spans cultures and peoples. Quilts require mathematical skills, creativity, patience, focus, and precision. They were, and are still, handmade and given to commemorate special occasions— a form of both artistic expression and documentation. Additionally, quilting bees and circles were a way for women to socialize and spend time together. It was at one time a very community-driven and relational art, and in some areas and cultures, this is still very much the case. Over time, there have been many different types of quilts and quilt patterns, like Double Wedding Ring, Patchwork, Log Cabin, Crazy Quilts, and more, but one of my absolute favorites is the friendship quilt.

1974 Friendship Quilt Displayed at The Airing of the Quilts, Greenwood, Arkansas
1974 Friendship Quilt | The Airing of the Quilts, Greenwood, Arkansas | “Made by Milltown Methodist Church and given to Rev. J.M. and Jane Rogers, Owned by Jane Rogers”
Note the signatures of the ladies who made each square on the white diagonal pieces.

What Is a Friendship Quilt?

Friendship quilts are a traditional form of quilt made collaboratively by a group of friends or even family. They have a rich history and special significance in American culture and are some of the very few quilts that have names associated with them. They sometimes even included dates, special messages, and addresses as well, making them very special. Originating in the Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Jersey areas, the tradition of friendship quilts spread to become more popular in areas west, north, and south. The form and patterns of friendship quilts have changed and adapted over time.

The Making of a Friendship Quilt

A friendship quilt is made by having each member of a friendship group contribute a quilt block that they have sewn. The quilt blocks are then assembled and sewn together into a single quilt. Each block is unique and represents the individual who made it. The blocks often contain personalized decorative elements like embroidered names, initials, symbols, dates, or short messages. Names, initials, and messages may be hand-sewn, written in ink, or even stamped.

An 81 piece Quaker friendship quilt pictured on the left. On the right is a picture of one of the quilt blocks showing a hand-written message and signature.
Conner Prairie, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons | 81 Piece Sampler Quilt (left) | Quilt Square (right) |
Quaker Album or Friendship quilt made in Burlington County, New Jersey in 1843.

The Meaning of the Friendship Quilt

Friendship quilts first became popular in the early 1800s. Groups of women would gather together for quilting bees as a social occasion. They would work collaboratively on quilts for members of their community while also using it as a chance to talk and build friendships. The quilt they produced represented the bonds of sisterhood, community, and connection between those who worked on it.

The History of the Friendship Quilt

These quilts were especially meaningful on the American frontier. As women headed west from the east coast with their families, the quilts served as a record of the long journey. They also helped pioneer women maintain social networks in isolated areas without extended family nearby. The quilts connected them to friends and home.

Over time, friendship quilts began to mark major life events like births, deaths, weddings, or relocations. They took on special significance as historical records of women’s lives and friendships. The communal creative process represents shared experience and cooperation.

1933 Carolina Lily friendship quilt displayed at The Airing of the Quilts in Greenwood, Arkansas.
Carolina Lily Friendship Quilt Displayed at The Airing of the Quilts, Greenwood, Arkansas | The quilt top was pieced by friends in 1933. In 2017, relatives and friends of the original group quilted it.

Today, many antique friendship quilts are preserved in museums. They are valued as culturally important folk art celebrating relationships between women and documenting American history through intricate stitches and patches.

Making a Class Friendship Quilt

For Palentine’s Day this year, why not piece together a paper friendship quilt with students that represents your classroom community? Each student can make a quilt block to contribute to the class friendship quilt and sign their name on it. A quilt block is a unit (in this activity it will be a square) that is sewn together to make up a full quilt.

For this activity, students will each construct their own quilt blocks out of paper. Essentially, they will:

  1. Cut the shapes out of a quilt block pattern.
  2. Trace the shapes onto a variety of colorful, patterned paper.
  3. Cut those colorful shapes out.
  4. Glue them onto a plain white square made of posterboard, card stock, or paper.
  5. Admire their created quilt blocks!

Here is what a finished quilt block made by a student might look like. This was a student-created pattern, meaning the student did not follow a quilt block pattern but made up their own using shapes.

Example Paper Quilt Block

Here is a list of materials and a few suggestions for choosing quilt block patterns. It can really be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be!

Materials List:

Three examples of quilt block patters that could be used for a friendship quilt.
Screenshot by the author: Example Quilt Block Patterns from Free Quilt
  • Plain white square (6×6, 9×9, or 12×12) made of posterboard, cardstock, or paper.
  • Quilt Block Patterns: When it comes to patterns, I’ve listed a few approaches for you to choose from. Choose which option works best for you and your students.
    • Pattern Option 1: Preselect one quilt block pattern for all students to use as their template. Distribute a copy of the pattern to each student in the correct size.
    • Pattern Option 2: Preselect 3-4 quilt block patterns for students to choose from for their template. Distribute a copy of the pattern to each student in the correct size.
    • Freeform Option: Have students create their own special patterns using traceable shapes, rulers, or freeform drawing!
    • Digital Option: Have students design their blocks online using line tools, shapes, and elements in Google Slides, Canva, Adobe Express, or similar tools.
  • Paper: Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, and colorful paper with a pattern will work great. Some solid paper would also be good to incorporate. Note: For younger students, sticking with just solids may be best if you’re having them follow a quilt block pattern.
  • Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils: If you opt for students to create their own patterns on white paper, you’ll need plenty of coloring options!
  • Scissors: Regular scissors or scissors with fun edges are both great.
  • Glue: You can use glue sticks, from a bottle, or Mod Podge (I prefer using old paint brushes with liquid glue).
  • Ink: Sharpies or paint/gel pens are great.
  • Ruler: Measuring to make sure the squares and pieces are straight and the correct size will be important!
  • Pencil: Mistakes will happen. Using a pencil when measuring and tracing will be helpful.

This can be just a fun arts and crafts activity for students to celebrate Palentine’s (or Valentine’s) Day. But you can also incorporate some math and history standards as well!

Suggested Lesson Plan Structure

This is an adaptable lesson that can be completed in a short period or span multiple periods. Feel free to adapt it to meet your needs and desired outcomes! For example, if you’d like the activity to go more quickly, you can provide precut shapes for students to glue (no cutting or tracing involved) or have them design squares in Canva to be printed. If you’d like to take more time, incorporate some of the math ideas and history of friendship quilts.

Screenshot by the author of a Quilt Block Template Being Created in Canva
Screenshot by the author: Quilt Block Template Being Created in Canva

Introduction:

Introduce students to the concept and history of the friendship quilt. Look at pictures of different friendship quilts and talk about what students notice. How do students imagine these quilts were made? What do friendship quilts tell us? Why might they be important in a community or group of people? Read an article or book as a class and discuss (see resource list). Explain that students will be making a paper friendship quilt as a class. Each student will contribute one square, and when they are all put together, it will create a full-sized paper quilt.

Activity:

Explain and briefly demonstrate how:

  • Students will either choose a block pattern or create their own block pattern for their square. Look at some examples of quilt block patterns together, if appropriate.
  • Explain and demonstrate how students will cut out the shapes from their printed block pattern and trace them onto the colorful paper of their choice.
  • Then, show students how to cut the traced shapes from their colorful paper and position them on their white squares. They should lay out their shapes to match their block pattern.
  • Demonstrate how to glue the pieces of the block to the plain white square.
  • Show students an example of a finished square. You could make your square in advance to show them!
  • Distribute the quilt block pattern you chose, have students choose a pattern, or let them create their own patterns.
  • Pass out the plain white squares (whatever size you choose, 6″, 9″, 12,” etc.).
  • Have fun cutting, tracing, gluing, and signing squares!
  • Hang students’ blocks individually on the wall, grouping them together to create a visual quilt. Or create your quilt by gluing the squares together before hanging the full quilt on the wall.

Ideas for Incorporating Math Skills

After you determine how big you would like your overall quilt to be, here are some math skills you can work with students on before and during the activity:  

  • Determine the perimeter and area of the full quilt.
  • How many rows and columns should the quilt have in order for each student to have the same size square? Calculate how big each individual student’s square should be.
  • Identify the shapes within your block. 
  • Explore symmetry by creating block patterns with symmetrical sides.
  • Measure and record the angles of the shapes within your block. 
  • If designing your own pattern, use a ruler to draw out and measure shapes in your pattern. Record your measurements.

Lesson Plans and Resources about Quilts

Besides friendship quilts, there are many other varieties of quilts, each with their own significance and meaning. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring some stories, history, resources, and information on the great personal and historical significance quilts hold. And if you try making a friendship quilt with your students, please leave us a comment and link to a photo! We’d love to see your class’s friendship quilt.

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Why the TCEA Convention & Exposition Is a Must-Attend Event

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

As an educator, one of my favorite things is good professional development. I remember attending a conference and learning the Text Talker strategy, which I used the very next day with my second graders. I quickly saw major gains in my students’ ability to gather text-based evidence, thanks to presenter Jen Jones! In my various roles as a gifted education teacher, tech integrator, and school principal, I can recall at least one workshop or conference that left me energized. Who doesn’t love walking away from PD with hands full of resources and ready to grow in their work? And at the TCEA Convention & Exposition, that’s the kind of experience you get.

Why I Love the TCEA Convention & Exposition

When I first attended TCEA’s Convention & Exposition, I remember thinking, “If I attended TCEA every year for the rest of my career, I could get meaningful professional learning no matter how my role changed over time.” It’s pretty incredible. It was more than impressive how TCEA was able to offer impactful learning for every possible role in education— all in one place! That said, here are a few reasons I’d encourage every educator to attend the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition.

1. Targeted learning for your role, interests, learning style, and goals. 

I know. I already mentioned that TCEA has something for every role in education, and it’s true. But don’t take my word for it! Let TCEA’s 800+ sessions speak for themselves. To the right of the search bar on the schedule page, you can:

Filter sessions by role:

Filter TCEA's Convention & Exposition sessions by these target audiences to find sessions targeted for your role.

Filter sessions by topics of interest:

Filter TCEA 2024 sessions by these topics to find sessions targeted for your interests.

Filter to get a recommended schedule based on your role or a primary topic of interest:

Filter TCEA's Convention & Exposition sessions by these recommended session lists to find sessions targeted to your interests, goals, and role.

Filter by format type based on how you learn best:

Filter TCEA 2024 sessions by these format types to find sessions targeted to your learning style preferences.

Additionally, this year, TCEA is offering three intensive role-based sessions exclusively for educators in librarian, instructional coaching, CTO, or similar roles! These are special 3-hour sessions that offer learning from experienced educators. They also provide the opportunity to meet and collaborate with others who are in your role!

“I was extremely impressed with everything associated with TCEA’s Convention & Exposition. From the setup and the sessions and workshops to the presenters, it was probably the most incredible conference I’ve been to in my 15 years of teaching. Definitely a positive use of my time.” -Eric

2. Free microcredentials to show your expertise. 

TCEA 2024 Microrcedential Badges

Another new offering at the 2024 TCEA Convention & Exposition? Free microcredentials! This year, once you’ve expressed interest in a microcredential during the registration process and registered for TCEA 2024, you’ll receive an email to sign up for one of six options. Then, attend six hours of sessions off the suggested list for your microcredential at TCEA 2024. 

After TCEA 2024, submit a form self-reporting which sessions you attended, and get your microcredential badge by email! 

3. Relevant information for equipment planning and budget-saving purchasing decisions.

One of the most thrilling and impressive things about TCEA’s Convention and Exposition is the Exhibit Hall. I had honestly never seen anything like it. It’s brimming with technology tools and 450+ vendors buzzing about products and services. It’s a delightful experience perfect for testing new devices and tools and talking with vendors about your needs. If you’re required to plan for classroom, school, or district technology purchases, it gets you face-to-face with exhibitors. So, you gain valuable insights into services, costs, budget-friendly solutions, and more. Plus, the in-booth presentations and exhibitor showcases can be eye-opening, highlighting solutions you didn’t know existed!  

“I felt so confused about the process for implementing a 1:1 Chromebook rollout at my school. But because of the information I received and the people I met during TCEA’s Convention & Exposition, I am now so excited to get started moving towards this new goal!” -Celine

4. Power hours that are both inspiring and informative. 

TCEA 2024 will have Power Hours on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10-11:30 a.m. What I love about these is the balance between inspiration and information. Here’s what’s on this year’s lineup: 

  • Todd Nesloney will offer up practical strategies for building stronger relationships and school culture to transform campuses and increase student outcomes. 
  • Jorge Valenzuela will provide tools and strategies for guiding students to discover their passion and purpose by aligning their strengths, values, and interests with meaningful careers.
  • Leslie Fisher will showcase new, fun, and productive gadgets for home, school, and beyond! 

5. Continued learning with a free TCEA membership.

TCEA Memberships Laughing during a learning session

Registering for the TCEA Convention & Exposition provides more than just access to all the benefits of attending. You’ll also receive a forever-free, auto-renewing TCEA membership with your registration. This membership unlocks a wealth of helpful resources, including free weekly Lunch and Learn webinars, free ebooks on current topics in teaching and learning, access to the TCEA online Community for support and idea sharing, and the extensive TCEA Community PD Library archives. Your membership means you can continue your professional learning journey long after TCEA 2024 ends.

“I feel the overall focus of TCEA’s Convention & Expotions is on teaching and learning. It is not about the greatest tools. It’s about helping equip educators to be all that we need to be for our students. I heard it said the success and failure of student learning is about what we, as teachers, do or don’t do. TCEA is empowering teachers to be the necessary change agent.” -Cherie

Bonus: Drum Cafe!

This year, TCEA 2024 has something special planned as an opening event for Saturday, February 3! To get everyone’s convention kicked off right, TCEA will host Drum Cafe for a special session led by professional speaker and drummer Dale Monnin. He’ll be speaking and leading the group in a powerful experience featuring the rhythm of TCEA attendees drumming in tandem. This experience will highlight the common language of music in finding alignment, celebrating success, and tackling challenges as a community of educators. No musical experience is necessary!

Have you been to TCEA’s Convention & Exposition before? Share what you love about it in the comments. Will you be attending TCEA 2024? Leave us a note to tell us your reasons for attending! We’d love to hear from you. Not registered? Not a problem. Register before January 13 to get $50 off a full registration badge!

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7 Google Updates from December 2023
Google Tips and Tricks

Seven Google Updates from December 2023

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Google never ceases to amaze me with its continuous improvements and updates. If you want to stay on top of changes to your Google Workspace, you can check out the Google Workspace Updates blog. You can also keep an eye on the What’s New in Google Workspace page, which allows you to search using keywords and filter by product. Let’s take a look at a few interesting updates that started rolling out this month!

Google Admin Console Updates

2-Step Verification (2SV)

If you are a Google administrator, it’s important to know that Google has started to enforce 2SV. This is an additional security measure to protect businesses and organizations from cybersecurity threats. For some admin, this change is already effective, and Google will be enforcing this across the board in 2024. Once this goes into effect for your domain, admins and super admins will be notified to turn on 2-step verification by a specified date. If 2SV is not enabled by the required date, you will be locked out of your admin account and forced to recover it. Google recommends going ahead and enabling it as soon as possible.

Learn More: 2SV

Google Classroom Updates

Excuse Assignments

Educators can now excuse assignments in Google Classroom.
Screenshot by Emily Horn

Starting December 12, 2023, teachers have the ability to excuse assignments for absences, dropped grades, etc. in lieu of giving a grade. This heavily requested feature will be available to all users. With a gradual rollout, Google workspaces and personal users should have access to this feature by December 27.

Learn More: Excuse Assignments

Video Assignments 

Now, users with Education Plus and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade can create video assignments for students using YouTube videos. Add questions for students at different points throughout a video and see a dashboard of insights once they’ve responded.

Learn More: Video Assignments

Google Docs Updates

Placeholder Chips

You can now add placeholder chips in Google Docs.
Screenshot by Emily Horn

We’ve been able to insert smart chips into Docs for people, dates, files, events, and places. Now we can insert placeholder chips for collaborators to complete! All users should be able to view placeholder chips by December 23. 

Learn More: Placeholder Chips

Smart Compose 

Google's Smart Compose will now suggest answers to math problems.
Screenshot by Emily Horn

Smart Compose in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings now does more than offer suggestions for writing content. It can suggest solutions to math problems! This feature is available to users with certain accounts. Depending on whether you’re a Gradual or Rapid Release domain, you may or may not have access yet. 

Learn More: Smart Compose

Google Chat Updates

Mute/Unmute

All users will be able to mute and unmute conversations to disable notifications and push chats to the bottom of the conversation list. This feature is already available in mobile, and depending on whether you’re a Gradual or Rapid Release domain, you may or may not have access yet on the web version.  

Learn More: Mute/Unmute

Shortcuts

You will now see shortcuts in your left sidebar menu. This permits you to easily go to the Home screen and access @ mention messages. Plus, you can now filter unread messages or view threads from Home. Rapid Release domains should already have access to this feature and Gradual Release domains will have visibility by December 26.   

Learn More: Shortcuts

What do you think of these new updates? Don’t forget to take a look at the Google Workspace Updates blog for any newly added changes or features that may affect you and your organization.

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