Science 5

Week at a Glance

Week 2 (December 8 - 12):

The new trimester is under way, and fifth grade students have moved on to a new topic, Space. In Week 1, fifth grade students began exploring the Universe (figuratively speaking) and learning about our place in it. The discussed galaxies and the Milky Way specifically, and ended the week simulating how space scientists determine th enumber of stars in our galazy (a little math-science connection). In week 2, students will begin exploring stars, our Sun, and the Solar System. This study will continue through Week 3 as students learn about the characteristics of the planets, and how those characteristics are shaped by the planet's composition and location in the solar system. Most of the work in this early part of the trimester will be group work, so there are no major projects or assessments coming up this month, just a partner quiz on December 18, which students will complete with access to their notes.

Due Dates and Upcoming Assessments:

Partner Quiz- December 18 (students will have access to notes)

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 2025-26 school year, including standards and essential questions for each unit of study.

Archived Resources

Trimester 1 Resources

Plate Tectonics

Test Prep Resources:

Link to the Collection of Evidence sheets: Page 1 and Page 2
Link to the Vocabulary Study Guide
Link to the Plate Tectonics Review Sheet we completed in class on Monday.

Volcanoes

Project Resources:

Link to Slide deck with project overview (this has been shared with students in Google Classroom)
Link to Essay Guide (also shared in Google Classroom)

Study resources for those still finishing the volcano test:

Earthquakes and the Rock Cycle Resources

Here are resources for students finishing any assessments or projects from Trimester 1:

EARTHQUAKE RESOURCES

ROCK CYCLE RESOURCES