GRADE 5

NASA Paper Rockets

Mr. Mark introduced different versions of rockets used in the Space Race and in modern space explorations. We used paper, tape, and straws to create model rocket designs. Then, we tested how far they flew, and we modified one design variable before testing again.

NASA Lunar Rover Models

Mr. Mark explained how NASA is designing rovers to explore Mars. These rovers need reliable designs and often carry a number of sensors to collect samples and data. We used cardboard, rubber bands, and other materials to create model rover designs.

NASA Ring Glider Models

Mr. Mark introduced us to research that NASA is conducting on next generation planes and gliders. We build model ring gliders, tested how far they flew, and modified one design variable before testing again.

Training a Machine Learning Model

We used an interactive code.org tutorial to learn about machine learning and training data by teaching a bot to clean virtual ocean garbage. We had to train a machine learning model to distinguish between fish and trash. We realized that we need lots of data and examples to make more robust models.

Engineering Week / Black History Month Guest Speakers, Field Trips, Reading

Our junior chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), in partnership with our school's Civil Engineering Club, organized learning opportunities for International Engineering Week 2026 and Black History Month.

Check out the full event summary, including a visit by the Temple University NSBE chapter to fifth grade.

Digital Citizenship Videos

On virtual learning days due to snow, we watched videos about being good digital citizens and discussed the videos with someone in our family.

Engineering Hydraulic Mazes with Cardboard

We designed, built, and tested hydraulic marble mazes with cardboard, hot glue, syringes, plastic tubes, and water.

Exploring Game Design and Circuits with Makey Makey and Scratch

We used Scratch and Makey Makey to create space-themed games. 

We started by coming up with a theme for our game, sketching out some playdough design ideas, and coding in Scratch. In our Scratch games, a spaceship needs to avoid asteroids (or some other object) and collect fuel. We needed to create variables (for health and speed) and clones. Here's what we started with. And here's a game about a shark avoiding trash that we used as inspiration for the space game.

Coding Loops with Sphero Indi

We did some coding with Sphero Indi and color cards to create an algorithm in which the robot doesn't stop. This repeated pattern is a loop.

Designing Digital Citizenship Posters with Adobe Express

Throughout the school year, we discuss strategies for staying safe online. At beginning of the year, we designed posters and social media images with advice for peers about how to handle challenging digital scenarios. These scenarious can occur on a computer, phone, tablet, or even gaming system.

Staying Safe and Kind on the Internet

We learned about digital citizenship with Interland, by discussing digital citizenship scenarios, and from a guest speaker from the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

WHYY Media Lab Field Trip and Filming Interviews

Everyone watched how-to videos produced for the WHYY Media Lab program and wrote down tips for filming and producing video interviews. Some members of our WHYY Media Lab program also visit NBC10 in the Comcast Technology Center.