Grade Level: Grade 5

Overview of Science

Concepts
Study of Science

Enduring Understandings
Scientists use their senses to investigate the world around them.
Scientists conduct investigations using a common process.

Skills
1. Make observations and ask questions about objects, organisms, and the environment.
2. Conduct simple investigations.
3. Use data to construct reasonable explanations.
4. Analyze, critique, and communicate investigations using words, graphs, and drawings.

Biomes and Ecosystems

Concepts
Interdependence

Enduring Understandings
Biomes support specific types of organisms.
Living organisms depend on the flow of energy within their ecosystem.
A species' survival depends on its ability to adapt to or change its environment.
Biotic and abiotic factors have dependent and interdependent relationships.
Natural processes and human activity can alter ecosystems.

Skills

Light and Sound

Concepts
Evidence and Models

Enduring Understandings
Humans use technology to enhance vision and hearing.
Light is a form of energy.
Sound is a form of energy.
Different media change the direction and speed of waves.
The structure of sensory organs determines their functioning: (a) the type of energy their receive; (b) how they receive and convert energy; and (c) how they transmit signals to the nervous system.
The total amount of energy in a system stays the same.

Skills
1.  Make observations and ask questions about objects, organisms, and the environment.
2.  Seek relevant information in books, magazines, and electronic media.
3.  Employ simple equipment and measuring tools to gather data and extend the senses.
4.  Use data to construct reasonable explanations.
5.  Analyze, critique and communicate investigations using words, graphs and drawings.

Earth, Moon, Sun, Solar System

Concepts
Systems and Order

Enduring Understandings
Planets vary in size, distance from the sun, and composition.
Planets orbit the sun in predictable motion.
Combined factors of axis tilt, revolution, and rotation relative to the sun determine time cycles.
Interaction of solar energy, celestial bodies and their atmosphere determine its conditions.
Satellites orbit planets.
Stars emit energy.

Skills