Elementary Science Grade 5

Segment One 

• Atomic theory 
• Properties of matter 
• Soluble and insoluble materials 
• Mixtures 
• Physical changes in matter 
• Chemical changes in matter 
• Basic forms of energy 
• Energy and motion 
• Electrical energy 
• Electricity 
• Circuits 
• Electrical conductors 
• Attraction of electrically charged objects 
• Forces of motion 
• Change in forces and motion 
• Opposing forces 
• Galaxies 
• Solar system components 
• Inner and outer planets 
• Define a simple design problem to reflect a need or want 
• Scientific investigations and experiments 
• Predictions, observations, and conclusions 
• Personal opinions vs. observations 
• Variables, repeated trials, and control groups 
• Collecting and communicating data 
• Empirical observations and evidence 
• Replicating scientific investigations 

Segment Two 

• Water cycle 
• Water reservoirs, including the ocean 
• Geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere 
• Climate 
• Climate zones 
• Plant and animal survival 
• Weather in a particular place and time 
• Family emergency preparedness plan 
• Protecting Earth’s resources 
• Human organ systems 
• Functions of organs in plants and animals 
• Animal and plant adaptations 
• Define a simple design problem to reflect a need or want 
• Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem 
• Scientific investigations and experiments 
• Predictions, observations, and conclusions 
• Empirical observations and evidence 
• Personal opinions vs. observations 

Students will need the following materials: cell phone to take photos, videos, or audio recordings of student work, or a scanner to scan and submit student work; coloring materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils); storage space on computer and an external device to back up files (flash drive, external hard drive, etc.); erasers; general household objects for activities; glue; headset or earbuds; lined paper, multi-colored paper; notebook or binder for course resources; pencils and pens; printer; printer paper; ruler; scissors; stapler; tape; and balloons. 

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple-choice questions, writing assignments, projects, oral assessments, and discussions. Core courses will use the state-approved grading scale and Special Area courses will use an S or U grading scale.

To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. To measure learning, students complete self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, discussion-based assessments, and discussions. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers; the minimum requirement is monthly. When teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.