Grade 5 Science Overview
Fifth Grade Science consists of five investigations that incorporate ideas from Life Science, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Technology/Engineering. The unifying focus is on systems and models: at both the micro and macro levels, on Earth and beyond into our Solar System. Most of the investigations also involve water as a common theme.
System Interactions and Ecosystems
Essential Questions:
How do humans affect each sphere of the Earth?
How do systems and models help us understand the natural world?
How do energy and matter move between/among living organisms and the natural world?
What structures help plants and animals survive, grow, and reproduce?
How do human activities impact Earth’s systems?
Investigation Rationale:
This large investigation is focused on Life Science, and it pulls together big ideas from Earth and Physical Science by looking at interactions and the flow of matter and energy between Earth’s Systems: Air (atmosphere), Water (hydrosphere), Earth (geosphere), and Life (biosphere). These core ideas are introduced in grades K-4 and built upon in grades 6-12.
Water Transformations: Keeping Track of Matter
Essential Questions:
What happens to water when it evaporates? Does evaporation destroy water, or does water continue to exist after it evaporates?
What changes and what stays the same?
What are some properties of air?
Investigation Rationale:
The Physical Science core idea of Matter and its Interactions forms the base for future understanding of chemistry, physics, and biology. This core idea is introduced in grades K, 3 and 4 and further developed each year in grades 6-12. The Science Practice of arguing from evidence is developed and refined each year, K-12.
Substances
Essential Question:
What can happen when two or more substances are mixed?
Investigation Rationale:
Everything in our world is made of substances, also known as chemicals. This investigation uses everyday substances (such as water, cornstarch, baking soda, vinegar) to introduce students to chemical reactions and mixtures. For upper elementary students, chemical reactions and mixtures are an engaging and approachable investigation within the physical science core idea of matter and its interactions. The concepts introduced here are built upon in middle and high school chemistry
Engineering Water Filters
Essential Question:
How can we design and improve a water filter that cleans contaminated “Mystery Water”?
Investigation Rationale:
The core idea of solving problems through the Engineering Design process is continued in every grade.
Earth, Sun, and Moon Systems
Essential Questions:
How do systems and models help us understand the natural world?
What natural phenomena does the Sun-Earth system help explain?
What natural phenomena does the Earth-Moon system help explain?
Investigation Rationale:
This investigation develops the Earth Science core idea of Earth’s Place in the Universe, introduced in grade 1, and further developed in middle and high school.