Science

The selected units of study for Grade 5 are:

1. Properties and Changes in Materials

2. Forces and Simple Machines

The first unit to be completed will be forces and simple machines.


Properties and Changes in Materials
The focus of this unit will be inquiry and investigation.

Through exploration of the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, students will examine the following questions:
1. What are the properties of water?
2. Are these true of other liquids?
3.What are the properties of air?
4.Are these true of other gases?
What are the properties of a solid?
5.Are these true of other solids?
6.What are Physical and chemical changes?

Forces and Simple Machines
Simple machines are used in many aspects of life, and students should become familiar with their designs and their advantages.

The principle focus of this unit is problem solving. Students will have many opportunities for hands-on exploration to determine how various simple machines reduce effort. They will be given open-ended challenges involving the reduction of effort in which they can use simple machines, singly or in combinations, to design solutions. Assessment will focus on the students‘ abilities to design creative solutions.
Inquiry will also plays a role in this unit, especially in the beginning as students explore the effect of forces on motion.

Attitude and behavior

During both units, students will be assessed on their attitude toward Science. It is expected that by the end of grade 5 students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An appreciation for the role and contribution of science and technology in their understanding of the world.

2. An understanding that the application of science and technology can have both intended and unintended effects.

3.That women and men of any cultural background can contribute equally to science.

4.Interest and curiosity about objects and events within different environments.

5.Willingness to observe, question, explore and investigate.

6.Interest in activities of individuals working in scientific and technological fields.

7.The ability to consider their own observations and ideas as well as others during investigations and before drawing conclusions.

8.An appreciatiation of the importance of accuracy and honesty.

9.Perseverance and a desire to understand.

10.The ability to work collaboratively while exploring and investigating.

11.Sensitivity to and develop a sense of responsibility for the welfare of other people, other living things, and the environment.