Welcome to fifth grade science. The fifth grade teachers at Troy work closely together to create and teach exactly the same lessons, using the same materials, assessments, and other tools. We want all our fifth graders to receive the same kind of learning experience. Much of what we do in class is based on interactive lab work, in-class videos and demonstrations, lectures, computer based activities/simulations, and more.
Google Classroom - Students can expect to find all assignments posted on Google Classroom. Additionally, students will be able to find study material to help them study and prepare for the learning goals of the class. If a student is absent they should log-in to Google Classroom to keep up on daily assignments (within reason) and email the teacher if clarification is needed. Extra time is given for completion of classwork and homework when a student has an extended absence. **Keep in mind Google assignments are accessible at all times and we recommend “bookmarking” your child’s Google account and Google Classroom at home in order for students/parents to access easily. Grades will not be posted in Google Classroom.
Google Slides - Science textbooks are not used any more as they are quickly outdated in science. Unit presentations posted in Google Classroom will act as our textbooks instead. These presentations are vital to student learning. Instructional videos and activities are also linked in the presentations. The unit presentations are accessible via Google Classroom. If students are absent, they must read through slides missed to keep up in class.
Science Binders - These binders are vital to science learning. Binders will contain a culmination of notes, Unit booklets, and handouts and will serve as a portfolio of learning. Binders will be stored in the classroom but may be taken home if needed.
Hyperdocs - HyperDocs are digital, interactive slides that give students engaging, inquiry-based learning opportunities. HyperDocs allow the teacher to assess students’ understanding of the concepts. Students complete HyperDocs independently or with partners. Students can work at their own pace and differentiate as needed. Some students may have a strong amount of background knowledge on a topic and can move quickly, while others may need to take more time.
Other Resources - Gizmos, Quizlet, Quizizz, Canva, Padlet, and Pear Assessments are educational sites students will be using in science throughout the year.
Homework - The majority of homework in Science is reviewing for a test or any unfinished classwork. The amount of work will be different for everyone since it all depends on how well class time is used.
Studying - Science will revolve around studying for upcoming quizzes or tests. All study material will be posted in Google Classroom at least one week prior to the summative assessment (test). Study skills and time management skills are especially important moving forward in 5th grade. Additional support at home with time management is crucial for student success.
Why Due Dates matter: Meeting due dates helps students stay on track to reach important learning goals. We emphasize the habit of recording homework in the daily Troy Planner and completing tasks consistently—both at school and at home—to support responsibility and academic success.
Late Work Policy: is accepted for partial credit up to three days after the due date. In extreme extenuating circumstances, we work together to set up a plan for successful completion of school work.
Missing Work & PowerSchool: Missing assignments in Science will be entered as a zero until work is submitted. Parents and students are expected to check PowerSchool regularly so that there are no surprises at the end of the quarter.
While it is always in the students best interest to learn the material before an assessment or complete assignments to the best of their ability, we understand that life situations come up that may cause undesirable results. Therefore, retakes and redos will be offered on an individual basis, at INDIVIDUAL TEACHER DISCRETION. However, we may refuse a retake for various reasons. For example, the student did not attend extra study sessions, did not complete the study guides, did not do the required daily work, and/or did not show any other effort to prepare.
Total Point System is used in 5th grade science and NOT percent weights. In any case, the value of assessments outweigh any other category due to the points assigned to assessments (higher in value) vs. the points assigned to other assignments (lower in value).
Grade 5 Science Units
Yearlong
Students will work on the following scientific processes to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas. Many of these skills will be incorporated in our in-class design challenges and investigations. Students will:
Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations;
Design and conduct a scientific investigation;
Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information;
Analyze and interpret data;
Develop descriptions, models, explanations and predictions;
Think critically and logically to connect evidence and explanations;
Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions; and
Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
1st - 2nd Quarters
Students will study the Cycles and Patterns in the Solar System. This topic focuses on the characteristics, cycles and patterns in the solar system and within the universe. We will use a variety of online simulations (e.g. GIZMOS), interactive activities, in-class projects, and engaging NASA image/video footage to help students explore space and go where no person has ever gone before.
2nd - 3rd Quarters
Students will study the Interactions within Ecosystems. This topic focuses on foundational knowledge of the structures and functions of ecosystems. We will use a variety of online simulations, interactive activities, outdoor exploration, and engaging in-class projects to learn about the numerous roles organisms perform in an ecosystem. By the end of the unit, students will be able to defend the importance of every role. Students will learn that organisms require energy and that cycles and patterns also exist in these systems.
3rd - 4th Quarters
Students will study motion, light, and sound. These topics focus on the forces that affect motion. This includes the relationship between the change in speed of an object, the amount of force applied, and the mass of the object. Light and sound energy are also explored as forms of energy that move in predictable ways, depending on the matter through which they move. We will use a variety of online simulations, interactive activities, and engaging in-class projects to learn that cycles and patterns exist in light, sound, and motion too.