Science

Marking Period 1

Marking Period 2

Marking Period 3

Marking Period 4

Our Neighborhood,Our Watershed: The Bay, Runoff, and Water Pollution

Interactions with Matter and Air Pollution

Space Studies and Light Pollution

Ecosystems

The fifth grade science curriculum focuses on the Scientific Process and making observations during investigations. Each marking period is spent on an entirely different topic, but we work to draw connections between them. A strong emphasis is placed on student observations, analysis and connection to the scientific topic we are studying.

Science is one of the subjects that is state tested. In the spring, students take a multi-day assessment measuring their science knowledge from elementary school, but focused primarily on grades 3-5. Previously this test has been the MSA Science. In 2017, they changed the test to the MISA. The plan is to administer it in mid March.

Marking Period 1: ONOW

Students define what a watershed is and examine how pollution in our watershed affects the Chesapeake Bay. Together, we come up with solutions to reduce pollution.

Students learn about the properties of matter and then investigate a way to reduce indoor air pollution in their lives.

Marking Period 2:

Interactions with Matter

Marking Period 3:

Space Studies and Light Pollution

Students learn about our solar system by studying the stars. We analyze the movement of stars and other celestial objects as they appear to move across the sky. I analyze shadows to create a hypothesis about how the sun travels in our sky. Finally, as we research constellations, we create an event to educate the school about the stars and light pollution.

Students analyze food chains and common farming techniques to create a farm in a different area.

Marking Period 4:

Ecoysystems