STEM by State

STEM Education in Texas

Texas is a national leader in STEM education, emphasizing hands-on learning, workforce readiness, and innovation. With initiatives like the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards and the Texas STEM Education Framework, the state is dedicated to equipping students with the critical thinking and engineering skills needed for future careers.

At Strawbees, we support Texas’ STEM goals by providing engaging, hands-on learning tools that integrate seamlessly into science, technology, engineering, arts, and math curricula.

Educators across the state use Strawbees to bring TEKS-aligned lessons to life, encouraging inquiry-based learning and real-world problem-solving.

In this page, you can find:

→ Curriculum Alignment

→ Success Stories

→ Grant Opportunities

→ Meet the Account Manager

Curriculum Alignment

Aligning STEAM with Texas' Curriculum

Strawbees is designed to align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in key STEM domains, helping educators bring state standards to life through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Below is how Strawbees supports the three primary TEKS areas relevant to STEM instruction:

How Strawbees can align with Texas' Curriculum:

TEKS Mathematics

Strawbees integrates mathematical reasoning into every build and prototype.

  • Measurement and Geometry: Students use precise measurements and explore geometric relationships when constructing with Strawbees.
  • Problem Solving: Projects encourage students to apply mathematic concepts to real-world challenges, enhancing critical thinking.
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Students track the performance of their builds, make predictions and analyze outcomes -- reinforcing numeracy and logic skills.

TEKS Science

Strawbees brings science to life through design-based learning that mirrors scientific inquiry and the engineering design process.

  • Scientific Investigation and Reasoning: Students hypothesize, test, and revise during hands-on challenges, developing skills essential to the scientific method.
  • Force, Motion and Energy: Projects such as moving mechanisms help students explore Newtonian physics, energy transfer, and mechanical systems.
  • Earth and Life Sciences Integration: Activities can be tailored to environmental science themes, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking.

TEKS Technology Applications

Strawbees' coding kits and programmable robotics platform align with TEKS technology goals for digital literacy, problem-solving, and computational thinking.

  • Foundational Skills: Students gain experience with input/output systems and algorithms through block-based coding using micro:bit.
  • Problem Solving with Technology: Activities require students to use logical thinking and iteration to solve real-world problems using code.
  • Creative Expression: Students combine design, engineering, and coding to build interactive projects, supporting innovation and digital fluency.
Success Stories

STEM Success Stories in Texas

Educators and districts across Texas are integrating Strawbees into STEM education, from elementary classrooms to high school engineering programs. Teachers report improved student engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Copperas Cove ISD

Implementing a new tool into a strict curriculum was a huge challenge for Holly Landez, Director of Digital Learning at Copperas Cove Independent School District in Texas. Strawbees was implemented in both Gifted and Talented as well as Maker Spaces across multiple schools. The versatility of Strawbees and ease of applying it across different types of learning made it easier to implement across multiple age groups and subjects.

Read the Case study
Holly Landez Case Study

What Texan Teachers Say

Here’s what Texan educators are saying about their experiences:

“They're smart kids and usually they can look at a picture and figure it out. What I liked about Strawbees is it challenged them more than usual so they had to slow down."
Savannah Taylor
Savannah Taylor

Librarian at Copperas Cove ISD

“It has versatility because it can be used in so many things. We have a summer STEM camp and it can be used there. It can be used in Gifted and Talented classes. It can be used in a library. It can be used in the regular classroom. I don’t think it’s pigeonholed to one level."
Holly Landez
Holly Landez

Director of Digital Learning at Copperas Cove ISD

“I’ve been teaching computer science and I love coding. So for me, building those things together with Strawbees and micro:bit is really good for the student’s mind and bringing them into the engineering process.”
Annababette Diemecke
Annababette Diemecke

Digital Learning Coordinator at Copperas Cove ISD

Connie Ann Roussel

Connie Ann is an experienced educator with a background in literacy and STEM at Randolph Elementary School and develops STEM curriculum in Texas. Connie Ann is passionate about hands-on learning and she now uses Strawbees to inspire her students to think critically, build confidently and dream big. 

Read Connie Ann's Story
Connie Ann Roussel - Teachers Story
Grant opportunities

STEM Grants in Texas

Finding funding for STEM and STEAM education can be challenging, but Texas offers a range of grants and funding sources to support hands-on learning initiatives.

Texas State & Federal Grants for STEM Education
Local & Private Grant Opportunities in Texas
  • Texas Instruments Foundation Grants – Funds STEM education programs in K-12 schools.
  • Dell Technologies Grants – Supports innovation and technology integration in Texas classrooms.
  • Chevron STEM Grants – Funding available for hands-on STEM projects and initiatives in Texas schools.
  • Local Education Foundations & County Office of Education Grants – Many districts and counties provide mini-grants for innovative STEM programs.

How We Can Help with Grant Applications

If you're looking for funding to bring hands-on STEAM learning to your students, we do have a grant writing webinar you can watch to help support you.

Learn more →

Strawbees in Texas

Meet Ellen

Ready to bring hands-on, standards-aligned STEAM learning to your classroom or district? Ellen is here to support you every step of the way.

Speak to Ellen directly to see how our tools can engage your students, or attend one of our Strawbees 101 webinars for more information on how to integrate into your curriculum or get a specific quote for your needs.

portrait_ellen
Ellen Florberger
School Partnership Manager
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