South Seneca Elementary Science Room

Grade 5 Curriculum

 

  Students will learn about the following topics in 5th grade science:

  • Scientific Skills and Processes: Making observations, communicating scientifically, making inferences, measuring, experimenting, defining operationally, and classifying

  • Human Body and Health Grade 5: Including the nervous system, sensing and thinking; bones and muscles; respiratory system; circulatory system; digestive system; endocrine system; and excretory system; nutrition, and wellness

  • Waves Grade 5;  Light Grade 5;  Sound Grade 5: Introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum, properties of light and sound, forms of energy, important discoveries in light and sound technology

  • Electromagnetism Grade 5: Students will build electromagnets, buzzers, and motors, and learn how they work. They’ll learn about generating electricity, alternative energy sources, and conservation of energy.

  • Oceans Grade 5: Physical properties of the ocean floor, tides, currents, and different ocean environments; ocean life, food chains and zones, adaptations, and survival; good stewardship

Science classes will meet three times a week. Students will participate in classroom activities, building models, hands-on learning experiences, experiments, and reading.  Textbooks are available but are not routinely used.  Students will need to refer to information in their Science binders and notebooks in order to complete homework and to study for tests.

Fifth grade students have the opportunity to participate in Science Enrichment once a week on ‘D’ days at 1:15.  We will explore a variety of topics including a pond study, the floating classroom on Cayuga Lake, solving an environmental mystery, building a working motor, and more! This enrichment class is voluntary and only available to students who are not scheduled for AIS at this time. This time slot does not overlap with any other clubs and will allow students to participate in art club, band, or library club also. Interested students should fill out an application as soon as possible, spaces fill rapidly.

Grade 5 Science Expectations

 

A

100-90

Demonstrates thorough understanding of important scientific concepts.  Detailed and careful attention is given to scientific method. Applies insightful reasoning and critical thinking skills Uses scientific vocabulary fluently and accurately. Makes significant contributions to group work. Written work is thorough and seeks precision.

B

89-80

Demonstrates understanding of important scientific concepts. Shows understanding of scientific methods. Applies logical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Uses scientific vocabulary accurately. Contributes to group work. Written work is complete and correct.

C

79-70

Shows partial understanding of important scientific concepts. Attempts to show understanding of scientific methods. Applies some reasoning or strategic thinking. Uses some scientific vocabulary. Participates in group work. Written work is complete and mostly correct.

D

69-60

Shows little understanding of important scientific concepts. Demonstrates little awareness of scientific methods, reasoning or critical thinking. Uses scientific vocabulary inaccurately or infrequently.  Does not participate in group work.  Written work is vague and inaccurate.

F

<60

Shows confusion or apathy toward scientific concepts and content. Does not apply scientific methods. Makes no attempts to use reasoning skills. Does not use scientific vocabulary. Disrupts or refuses to participate in group work. Written work is illegible or unintelligible.