5th grade

Unsolved Mysteries

This inquiry-based unit is an extension of the Enigma Unit the students completed in 4th grade.  More challenging and complex unsolved mysteries are explored in depth. Students will choose an unsolved mystery that interests them, independently research it, and create a hypothesis that proposes a solution to the mystery.  A variety of product choices are presented such as: comic creation, Powtoon, newspaper article, brochure or song. 

Thrills, Chills, and Spills

This Physics Unit covers the basics of force and motion, Newton’s Laws, speed, measurement, and scientific design.  Students are challenged to make predictions, design and create models to test their predictions and discuss their findings.  They will then apply their knowledge of physics through a hands on STEM field trip to iFly Indoor Skydiving. iFLY uses a state of art, unique vertical wind tunnel facility to make this high-flying experience exciting, relevant, and accessible to all students.

Geocaching

Students have the opportunity to use their compass skills from Unsolved Mysteries to uncover ten geocaching sites throughout downtown Brenham. 

Lost Skull Crime Scene

The CSI lab is transformed into a crime scene where a bloodied mystery animal skull, a handwritten note, shoe print, a variety of unknown hairs, and a twenty dollar bill are all behind “crime scene” tape. The students are challenged to collect evidence following crime scene procedures. Then using the information on each suspect as well as the findings from the evidence collection and testing, students use the process of elimination to determine what took place in the CSI lab. To wrap this mini unit up, the students are taken to a behind the scenes field experience at the Brenham Police Station. 

Students in grades 4 - 6 also compete in School Scrabble.  Scrabble is a fun and innovative way for kids to develop vocabulary, spelling, math, and spatial relation skills.  We hold a CSI Scrabble Qualifier every spring and advance the top 10 teams to our CSI Scrabble Championship. 

All 5th grade students will learn how to design attachments and program a LEGO Spike Prime robot to complete missions on a 3'x6' table.  They will learn new ways to write computer programs to make their robot move in various directions, make sounds, and even sense colors and touch.