Fifth
Second Semester
UNIT FOUR: EARTH'S SPHERES (5-ESS2-1)
We looked at and develop various models to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. 5-ESS2-1
We started this unit off with a Earth's Sphere's Break out. Students had to use the clues on their tables and around the room, go into a secret google classroom, and solve the riddles to unlock six separate locks on two locked boxes.
All the students made their own self-contained Earth's spheres model, but then we set up some class controls to monitor how the Earth's spheres interact with one another. We are watching to see how our plants survive over time. We made all of these systems closed by adding a cap. We had ONE open system. For all the systems, once we set them up we did not interact with the system (for example we did not add additional water) in any way.
Rocks, Air, and Seeds...seeing some growth
Dirt, seeds, water, and air...seeds are growing
Water, air, and Seeds...little sprouts.
Dirt, air, and seeds...no added water, but based on the condensation, I think that the dirt contained some water...seeing some growth
Rocks, Air, and Seed....no growth...what's missing?
Seed and Air...no growth...is there a pattern to the systems that are not growing?
This is our open system....dirt, rocks, seeds, initial water, air...
the soil is starting to look a bit dry...wonder how the plants will do...
A few weeks later...
UNIT FIVE: ENERGY IN ORGANISMS IN ECOSYSTEMS (5-PS3-1)
We analyzed and created virtual models, several paper models, and even did an energy relay-race model to describe that that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun. 5-PS3-1
Sample Scratch Ecosystem Projects (Works in Progress...)
Below are screen shots of some of the fifth grade Scratch ecosystem projects in progress.
Stylized Food Chain Models (borrowed this idea from The Artsy Fartsy Art Room)
BREAKOUT!! We did a Food Chain/ Food Web Breakout today. 6 locks. 60 minutes. Lots and lots of clues!
UNIT SIX: MATTER IN ECOSYSTEMS (5-LS2-1)
Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. 5-LS2-1
Coming Soon...
We set up three investigations using spider plant clippings to investigate whether soil is required for plant growth. Some clippings are in water only. Some clippings are in rocks and water. Some clippings were transplanted into soil. We are watching closely to see what will happen over time...
First Semester
UNIT ONE: STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER (5-PS1-4)
We conducted investigations to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances. We worked with everyday acids (orange juice, mustard) to look for chemical reactions (change of color and/or bubbling) and then mixed a variety of substances to determine our favorite slime recipes.
UNIT TWO: SPACE SYSTEMS (5-ESS1-2)
We tried to make a model to help us determine whether the sun was moving around the Earth or vice versa. It was hard to gather evidence that proved one way or the other. So we watched some video footage from space travelers and used this as evidence that the Earth is moving.
We analyzed sunrise/sunset data and then graphed the data to see if we could determine patterns in length of daylight over the year.
Ms. Moore made this help sheet to assist students in thinking about types of graphs that might best represent the pattern of the year.
This student used seasonal pie charts to compare daylight and nighttime hours to show a change seasonally.
This student created a bar graph of the hours of daylight on the first day of each month to show a pattern in the hours of daylight over the year.
We constructed, explored, and analyzed different pre-made models of sun, sky, and star models and discussed the merits and limitations of each of these models.
We worked on seasonal patterns in daylight, weather, temperature, and sun's path in the sky.
UNIT THREE: DISTRIBUTION OF WATER ON EARTH (5-ESS2-2)
We began analyzing and determining the amounts of fresh, frozen, and salt water found on Earth. We completed a Mystery Science: How Much Water is in the World? We also collaborated with Mr. Danny from Bluegrass Greensource and completed a water in the world activity.
