Science
Science is taught through an inquiry-based learning model, where students participate in hands-on activities to investigate physical, earth/space, and life science concepts. Fifth graders will study the following topics:
Physical Science
In our Matter and Gravity unit, students will understand the building blocks of matter and explore changes of matter. Students will also explore types of energy and how energy can be transferred.
Earth/Space Science
Students will study the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Space. We will be investigating how people told time before clocks were invented by using sundials and other methods. Students will construct sinking water clocks to investigate variables. Students will also investigate weather patterns and examine earth's changing surface.
Life Science
With life science, we will study the complex relationship that exists in the nature of animals and the environment. Students will investigate how we depend on each other for food in the life cycle.
Engineering and Computer Science
Students will design, build, and program robots to complete a task. They will also research the spread of diseases and use computers to simulate an epidemic.
Scientific Method
These are the science process skills that are embedded in every scientific investigation. Students will be practicing this inquiry process throughout the year.
How to help your child
I recommend that your child check out library books on these topics and investigate related web sites. I also suggest that you encourage your child to continuously ask questions about the world around them. Science is a process skill that is best learned through experimentation and observation. If children have the opportunity to investigate relevant problems and disparities in their everyday world, they will develop a natural interest in science.
Science is taught through an inquiry-based learning model, where students participate in hands-on activities to investigate physical, earth/space, and life science concepts. Fifth graders will study the following topics:
- Physical Science - Matter and Gravity
- Earth/Space Science - Earth, Moon, and Space; Weather and Earth's Surface
- Life Science - Ecosystems and Energy Flow
- Engineering and Computer Science - Project Lead the Way
- Scientific Method - Process Skills
Physical Science
In our Matter and Gravity unit, students will understand the building blocks of matter and explore changes of matter. Students will also explore types of energy and how energy can be transferred.
Earth/Space Science
Students will study the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Space. We will be investigating how people told time before clocks were invented by using sundials and other methods. Students will construct sinking water clocks to investigate variables. Students will also investigate weather patterns and examine earth's changing surface.
Life Science
With life science, we will study the complex relationship that exists in the nature of animals and the environment. Students will investigate how we depend on each other for food in the life cycle.
Engineering and Computer Science
Students will design, build, and program robots to complete a task. They will also research the spread of diseases and use computers to simulate an epidemic.
Scientific Method
These are the science process skills that are embedded in every scientific investigation. Students will be practicing this inquiry process throughout the year.
How to help your child
I recommend that your child check out library books on these topics and investigate related web sites. I also suggest that you encourage your child to continuously ask questions about the world around them. Science is a process skill that is best learned through experimentation and observation. If children have the opportunity to investigate relevant problems and disparities in their everyday world, they will develop a natural interest in science.
Resources
- Fifth Grade Oklahoma Academic Standards - Newly adopted science standards beginning in 2016-2017.
- Discovery Education Techbook - Online resources and videos. Login using username/password given in class.
