Elementary

Elementary Science Grade 5

1.0 Credit

36 weeks

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Science Grade Five is an intermediate course with concepts across many types of sciences, including Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Through experiences including defining problems, conducting investigations, using the scientific method, using evidence, asking questions, making predictions, making and comparing observations, making inferences, using the engineering design process, and developing models, students learn about properties of and changes in matter; atoms; mixtures; energy; forms of energy; force and motion; galaxies and the solar system; the water cycle; weather and climate; the human body organs and functions; organism structure, function, and comparison; adaptations; and ecosystems.

Please view the Elementary Parents Guide for Grades 3-5 with guidance on helping your student transition to online learning and thrive at VLACS.

Major Topics and Concepts

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

Course Materials

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 and families are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers because, when teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.

Required Materials – Please view the list of materials before registering.

Competencies

Changes in Matter

I can explain the mixtures of solids that can be separated based on observable properties. I can evaluate the conditions affecting the dissolving process of a mixture. I can describe soluble and insoluble materials. I can describe when a physical change has occurred due to a chemical change from temperature. I can describe the frequency of physical and chemical changes occurring as a result of temperature. I can describe the steps of the scientific method. I can describe the importance of a control group.

Chemical and Physical Reactions

I can describe the frequency of physical changes occurring as a result of temperature. I can identify when a physical change has occurred due to a chemical change from temperature. I can describe the frequency of physical and chemical changes occurring as a result of temperature. I can identify the steps of the scientific method.

Energy

I can describe types of energy. I can explain the ability of energy to cause motion or change. I can explain the importance of repeated trials in a scientific investigation. I can describe the transformation of electrical energy into other types of energy. I can describe conductors and non-conductors. I can explain the flow of electricity in a closed circuit. I can explain attraction and repulsion between two electrically charged or uncharged objects.

Forces and Motion

I can describe the effect of forces on an object. I can describe the effect of gravity on an object. I can describe the effect of friction on an object. I can explain the connection between applied force and an object’s mass.

Matter

I can describe the properties of temperature in each state of matter. I can describe the properties of mass in each state of matter. I can describe the properties of color in each state of matter. I can describe the properties of texture in each state of matter. I can explain the measurements and graph evidencing the conservation of matter. I can explain evidence representing the composition of matter having parts too small to be seen.

Space

I can compare the galaxy and the solar system. I can describe the Milky Way within the galaxy. I can explain the connection between apparent brightness and the relative distance from the Earth. I can describe patterns of daily change due to the Earth's position in the solar system. I can compare inner and outer planets. I can evaluate the difference between opinion and verified observation.

Adaptations

I can describe plant and animal adaptations. I can explain the process for animals to use energy in the food for body repair, growth, motion, and warmth. I can explain the process in which plants get the materials needed to grow. I can explain the process of matter moving through an ecosystem. I can explain shifts in plant and animal populations based on changes to the environment. I can describe the use of scientific evidence to protect resources.

Body Structures

I can describe the functions of the brain, heart, and lungs. I can describe the function of the digestive system. I can describe the function of the waste organs. I can describe the functions of the sensory organs, muscles, and skeleton. I can describe the purpose of reproductive organs. I can explain the structure and out coating for both plants and animals.

The Water Cycle

I can describe the conditions required for forms of precipitation. I can explain a created model of the water cycle. I can describe the importance of the ocean to the water cycle. I can describe the influence of weather components on the weather in a particular place and time. I can describe the interaction between the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Weather and Climate

I can explain the effect of climate on precipitation. I can explain a preparedness plan in the case of natural disasters. I can describe the conditions of climate zones.