5th Grade Lesson Resources
Inquiry:
Fifth graders start off the year with a grabber centered around CO2 “sandwiches” using varying amounts of vinegar and baking soda. The scientific process is reviewed and used in an investigation focusing on mystery powders followed by an investigation using mysterious milk reactions with dish soap.
Life Science
Students focus on the ecosystems and how plants and animals depend on each other. They focus on the energy in a food web and what happens when an invasive species enters an ecosystem.
Physical Science
Matter and chemistry is a large part of the physical science study as students learn about physical and chemical changes, acids and bases. Students also learn about gravity and participate in an egg drop engineering project designing and creating a successful container to drop an egg at varying heights.
- Prezi Presentations
Earth and Space Science
Fifth graders look at the sun and shadows and how they affect reactions here on Earth. Fifth graders also identify the Earth’s four spheres and how they interact and rely on each other to provide our healthy environment. They engage in several different hands-on activities as they study each sphere and compile their information in a presentation using the Book Creator app or Google presentations. To end the unit, students dissect a frog from the biosphere.
iPad Apps:
Clinometer - App used to measure shadows and angle of sun
iMovie
Engineering
- Egg drop container
- Wind turbines
- Invasive Species Solution
Energy Unit
Students look at alternative forms of energy to conserve non-renewable resources. They work in small groups to research biofuels, hydropower, nuclear power, solar power, and wind energy. They have the opportunity to explore vehicles or tools that operate with different forms of energy and wrap up their focus by designing wind turbine blades that will be the best in providing an alternative form of energy.