5th grade Science 

lesson planning guides

Schools who have not purchased FOSS NextGen or HMH Science Dimensions should follow the lesson planning guides below. If your school has purchased one of these programs, please refer to the relevant scope and sequence above.

The K-5 planning guides are fully aligned to Mystery Science and provide daily lesson plans. All K-5 teachers of science have full access to Mystery Science in the SDP employee portal. Click HERE for a stepper for accessing Mystery Science. Click HERE for a stepper on creating a supply list that your school can purchase.

A note about timing: It is important not to skip any lessons! However, teachers may adjust the amount of time needed for each lesson and unit based on the needs of their students. All units start with an anchoring phenomenon lesson and end with a performance task. Teachers should familiarize themselves with both of these prior to teaching the unit.

Unit 1: Chemical Magic


Chemical Magic Storyline (page 18), Unit Teacher Guide, & Materials Guide

QUARTER 2

Unit 2: Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth Storyline page 19 & Unit Teacher Guide

QUARTER 3

QUARTER 4

8th Grade PSSA Resources

 (5th-8th grade science content is assessed on the 8th Grade Science PSSA)

8th Grade Science Eligible Content

8th Grade Science PSSA Released Items Arranged by Eligible Content


Archived Planning Guides