Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 5 Science
A comprehensive inquiry into the fundamental systems of our world, focusing on the properties of substances, the complexity of biological systems, and the dynamic forces shaping our environment. Students engage in hands-on investigation to understand the interconnectedness of scientific phenomena.
01The Particle Nature of Matter
Students investigate the physical and chemical properties of matter and how substances interact and change.
Students will identify and describe observable properties of various solids, liquids, and gases.
Students will learn to measure the mass and volume of different objects and substances using appropriate tools.
Students will explore the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases and how they differ at a particle level.
Students will observe and describe physical changes, such as changes in state, shape, or size, without forming new substances.
Students will identify observable indicators that a chemical change has occurred, leading to new substances.
Students will create and observe different types of mixtures, identifying their components.
Students will investigate how some substances dissolve to form solutions and explore factors affecting solubility.
Students will explore the principle that matter is conserved during physical and chemical changes.
Students will design and conduct investigations to separate components of various mixtures.
02Forces and Simple Machines
An exploration of how forces affect motion and how machines allow us to perform work more efficiently.
Students will identify different types of forces (push, pull, gravity, friction) and their effects on objects.
Students will use tools to measure force and observe how forces cause changes in motion.
Students will experiment with levers to understand how they can reduce the effort needed to move an object.
Students will investigate how single and multiple pulley systems can change the direction of force and reduce effort.
Students will explore the function of wheels, axles, and inclined planes as simple machines.
Students will investigate how screws and wedges function as simple machines to apply force or hold objects together.
Students will conduct experiments to observe and measure the effects of friction on moving objects.
Students will identify situations where friction is helpful and where it is a hindrance, and explore ways to manipulate it.
Students will explore how simple machines can be combined to create more complex machines.
03Internal Systems of Living Things
Investigating how organs and organ systems work together to sustain life in multicellular organisms.
Students will learn about the basic structure and function of plant and animal cells.
Students will explore the hierarchical organization of living things: cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Students will trace the path of food through the digestive system and identify the function of key organs.
Students will explore how the body eliminates waste products through the excretory system.
Students will learn about the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and their roles in transporting substances throughout the body.
Students will investigate the process of respiration, including the function of the lungs and gas exchange.
Students will explore the basic functions of the brain and how our senses help us interact with the world.
Students will learn about the structure and function of bones, muscles, and joints.
Students will investigate how different organ systems work together to maintain the body's overall health.
Students will explore the importance of nutrition, exercise, and hygiene for maintaining healthy body systems.
04Earth and the Solar System
A study of Earth's place in space, its rotation, revolution, and the predictable patterns of the night sky.
Students will investigate Earth's rotation and its effect on day and night.
Students will explore Earth's revolution around the Sun and its connection to the seasons.
Students will observe and explain the predictable pattern of the Moon's phases.
Students will learn about solar and lunar eclipses and the conditions required for them to occur.
Students will investigate the gravitational influence of the Moon on Earth's tides.
Students will identify and compare the characteristics of the planets in our solar system.
Students will learn about other celestial bodies in our solar system and their characteristics.
Students will identify common constellations and understand that stars are distant suns.
Students will investigate the Sun's role as the primary source of energy for Earth and its characteristics.
Students will learn about space exploration, including historical missions and future endeavors.
05Conservation of Energy and Resources
Examining how energy is transformed and the impact of human resource consumption on the environment.
Students will define energy and identify different forms of energy (light, heat, sound, motion).
Students will observe and describe how energy can be transferred from one object to another and transformed from one form to another.
Students will investigate heat as a form of energy and its relationship to temperature.
Students will explore light as a form of energy, including reflection, refraction, and absorption.
Students will investigate sound as a form of energy produced by vibrations.
Students will identify and describe various renewable energy sources and their benefits.
Students will identify and describe non-renewable energy sources and their environmental impacts.
Students will investigate the importance of water, the water cycle, and methods for water conservation.
Students will learn about different ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity and habitat preservation.
Students will explore the principles of waste reduction and sustainable practices.