5th Grade
Unit 3 Module B: Understanding the Universe
Early February - Early March: 3rd Trimester
Module Overview
Enduring Understandings
Readers understand the importance of learning the meanings of words and phrases in order to better comprehend text.
Writers understand that illustrations, photos, diagrams, and other visual elements convey important information.
Learners understand that scientists continue to study and reveal new information about the universe.
Essential Questions: "Knows"
How do readers make sense of texts with unfamiliar words?
Why do writers convey information in visual ways?
Module Goals: "Dos"
Readers will determine the meanings of words and phrases to understand information in various texts.
Writers will use research and visuals to convey information effectively.
Learners will understand that scientists continue to discover new information about the universe.
Evidence of Learning: PBA
Informative/Explanatory Task: Write a Science Journal Article
Students will conduct short research projects using various sources to create a science journal article about something in the universe that interests them.
Standards Addressed
The highlighted evidence outcomes are the priority for all students, serving as the essential concepts and skills. It is recommended that the remaining evidence outcomes listed be addressed as time allows, representing the full breadth of the curriculum.
Module 3B spans Trimesters 2 and 3. Evidence outcomes are assessed and reported on in Trimester 3.
Standard 1: Oral Expression & Listening
Evidence outcomes in bold are those that are expected to be mastered in trimester 3
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (CCSS: SL.5.1)
Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow upon information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. (CCSS: SL.5.1c)
Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence. (CCSS: SL.5.3)
Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes. (CCSS: SL.5.4)
Adapt language as appropriate to purpose: to persuade, explain/provide information, or express an opinion.
Standard 2: Reading for All Purposes
Evidence outcomes in bold are those that are expected to be mastered in trimester 3
Prioritized Evidence Outcomes:
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area. (CCSS: RI.5.4)
Supporting Evidence Outcomes:
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (CCSS: RI.5.1)
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. (CCSS: RI.5.2)
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text. (CCSS: RI.5.3)
Compare and contrast the overall structure (for example: chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts. (CCSS: RI.5.5)
Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent. (CCSS: RI.5.6)
Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. (CCSS: RI.5.7)
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s). (CCSS: RI.5.8)
Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably. (CCSS: RI.5.9)
By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grades 4–5 text complexity band independently and proficiently. (CCSS: RI.5.10)
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. (CCSS: RL.5.1)
Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. (CCSS: RL.5.2)
Compare and contrast two or more character’s points of view, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (for example: how characters interact). (CCSS: RL.5.3)
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. (CCSS: RL.5.4)
Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem. (CCSS: RL.5.5)
Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (for example: graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem). (CCSS: RL.5.7)
Foundational Skills:
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. (CCSS: RF.5.3)
Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. (CCSS: RF.5.4)
Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression. (CCSS: RF.5.4b)
Compare and contrast the varieties of English (for example: dialects, registers) used in stories, dramas, or poems. (CCSS.L.5.3.b)
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (for example: photograph, photosynthesis). (CCSS: L.5.4b)
Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. (CCSS.L.5.5.b)
Standard 3: Writing & Composition
Evidence outcomes in bold are those that are expected to be mastered in trimester 3
Prioritized Evidence Outcome:
Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary. (CCSS:W.5.2)
Supporting Evidence Outcomes:
Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (for example: headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. (CCSS: W.5.2a)
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. (CCSS: W.5.2b)
Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses (for example: in contrast, especially). (CCSS:W.5.2c)
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. (CCSS: W.5.2d)
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented. (CCSS: W.5.2e)
Grammar & Conventions:
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. (CCSS: L.5.1)
Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general and their function in particular sentences. (CCSS: L.5.1a)
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. (CCSS: L.5.2)
Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed. (CCSS: L.5.2e)
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (CCSS: W.5.4)
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (CCSS: W.5.5)
With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others. (adapted from CCSS: W.5.6)
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences. (CCSS.W.5.10)
Standard 4: Research Inquiry and Design
Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. (CCSS: W.5.7).
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources. (CCSS: W.5.8)
Develop relevant supporting visual information (for example: charts, maps, graphs, photo evidence, models).
Provide documentation of sources used in a grade-appropriate format.
Apply grade 5 Reading standards to literature (for example: “Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or a drama, drawing on specific details in the text [for example: how characters interact]”). (CCSS: W.5.9a)
Apply grade 5 Reading standards to informational texts (for example: “Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point[s]”). (CCSS: W.5.9b)
Assessments
Assessments listed below reflect a balance of both formative and summative options, providing teachers and students with information relative to mastery of module and unit goals in reading and writing.
Performance-Based Assessment
Student Prompt:
Write a scientific journal article on a topic related to the universe. First, conduct research to find a suitable topic for your article. Then use several sources to build knowledge and investigate different aspects of your chosen topic. Use this research to create your journal article.
Remember to:
introduce the topic clearly, providing a general observation and focus.
group related information logically.
develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses.
use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
include formatting and illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.
End of Unit Assessment
*Administered AFTER Module 3B
Selection Tests
Texts
Texts listed below reflect the full series of reading materials designed to build background knowledge within the Unit theme.
Anchor Text
Jess and Layla’s Astronomical Assignment
(trade book)
Lexile 910L
Literary Text
Supporting Texts
Our Mysterious Universe A Black Hole is NOT a Hole
(trade book) (Text Collection V2)
Lexile 980L Lexile 900L
Informational Text Informational Text
Sleuth
“Charlotte’s Space Travel”
Lexile 970L
“Moving to Mars?”
Lexile 1010L
Aligned Texts for Small Group & Additional Reading
Our Solar System
(available for check out through Media Services)
Structured Morphology