Science 5

Week at a Glance

Week 9 - 10 (October 26 - 30 and November 2 - 6):

In Weeks 9-10, we wind down our unit on earthquakes- their origins, effects, and the ways in which they are measured. Earlier in the unit, students modeled and explored pressure at plate boundaries and various types of faults, as well as the way energy travels through Earth's crust via P-waves, S-waves, and surface waves. We then turned our attention to the difference between magnitude and intensity as students observed "structures" built of blocks and the ways in which various structures responded to the same magnitude earthquake. In Weeks 9-10, we wrap up the last of our notes and handouts on these topics early in Week 9 before we pause to review the earthquake concepts in preparation for a partner quiz on Wednesday, October 28, and a UNIT TEST on Thursday, November 5.

Additionally, students will complete their first project of the school year, an "earthquake-resistant" structure. Students reviewed project directions on 10/29 and will have several days to work on their buildings. This project has a concluding write-up after the final test. See the resources below for project directions, the handout, and scoring guide.

Unit 2 Resources (Earthquakes)

Due Dates, Upcoming Assessments and other Notes:

Partner Quiz on Earthquakes: Wednesday, October 28 (open note)
Project Work Days for "Earthquake-Resistant Structures: 10/30, 11/2, and 11/3
End of Unit TEST on Earthquakes: Thursday, November 5 (closed note)

Science 5 Overview

Fifth Grade students explore earth science, physical science, and life science, with each trimester taking a different focus. Their earth science exploration kicks off with a field studies trip to the Mt. St. Helens area in Washington State as they learn about plate tectonics and volcanoes. Later in the fall, they follow up this study with an exploration of earthquakes and geology. In the winter, they will learn about earth's place in the solar system, study the history of the space program and space exploration, and explore stars as they learn about the formation of the earth, as well as an introduction to matter, states of matter, solutions, and interactions. Spring will feature an introduction to matter and energy, and the movement of energy between plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment, and a closer look at plants and plant reproduction.

Grading information can be found on the "5/6 Science Program Overview" page. Please review to understand how students will be evaluated this year.

Click here for a Scope and Sequence (the course plan) outline for the 2026-27 school year, including standards and essential questions for each unit of study.

Archived Resources

Trimester 1 Resources

Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes

Click for a copy of the NOTES sheet from class:

Click here for a list of plate tectonics and volcano vocabulary terms

Click here for access to the Slide deck from class

Click here for a copy of the review guide

Click here for a copy of the completed review guide, with sample answers from class