United States · Common Core State Standards
5th Grade Science
Students investigate the hidden structures of matter, the complex interdependencies within ecosystems, and the vast scale of the solar system. This curriculum emphasizes evidence-based reasoning through hands-on inquiry and the application of engineering design principles to solve real world problems.
01The Structure and Properties of Matter
Students explore the particle nature of matter and how substances change when they are mixed or heated.
Students will differentiate between solids, liquids, and gases based on observable properties and particle arrangement.
Investigating how matter is made of particles too small to be seen yet still possessing mass.
Students will explore different ways substances can be combined, distinguishing between mixtures and solutions.
Using physical properties such as solubility, conductivity, and magnetism to identify mystery materials.
Students will observe and classify changes in matter as either physical or chemical, identifying key indicators.
Conducting experiments to show that total weight does not change during physical or chemical shifts.
02Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
Tracing the flow of energy from the sun through food webs and the recycling of matter in the environment.
Understanding that the energy in all animal food was once energy from the sun.
Evaluating evidence that plants acquire their material for growth chiefly from air and water rather than soil.
Students will classify organisms based on their role in an ecosystem and how they obtain energy.
Modeling the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
Students will investigate how organisms interact with each other and their non-living environment.
03Earth Systems and Human Impact
Examining the interaction between Earth's four major spheres and the human role in protecting resources.
Investigating how the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact to shape Earth.
Students will model and explain the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Mapping the distribution of fresh and salt water across the planet's surface.
Students will investigate how constructive and destructive forces shape Earth's surface over time.
Students will identify various natural resources and discuss their importance and sustainable use.
Designing and evaluating solutions to protect Earth's resources and environment.
04Stars and the Solar System
Exploring the patterns of daily changes on Earth and our place in the wider universe.
Analyzing why the sun appears larger and brighter than other stars due to its distance from Earth.
Explaining patterns of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of stars.
Students will observe and explain the predictable patterns of the Moon's phases as it orbits Earth.
Students will identify and describe the planets and other celestial bodies in our solar system.
Investigating the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects directed toward the center of the planet.
05Engineering Design and Innovation
Applying scientific principles to define problems, develop models, and optimize solutions.
Learning how to specify criteria and constraints for a successful design solution.
Creating multiple solutions and testing them to see which best meets the criteria.
Using data from tests to make iterative improvements to a design.
Students will investigate how forces cause changes in an object's motion and direction.
Students will explore the properties of magnets and how magnetic forces interact with different materials.
Students will investigate the properties of light and sound, including how they travel and interact with matter.
Students will build and test simple electrical circuits, identifying components and their functions.
Students will explore how energy can be transferred from one object to another and transformed into different forms.
06Life Cycles and Heredity
Students investigate the life cycles of plants and animals and how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
Students will describe the stages of plant life cycles, including germination, growth, reproduction, and seed dispersal.
Students will compare and contrast the life cycles of various animals, including metamorphosis.
Students will identify observable traits in plants and animals that are inherited from parents.
Students will investigate how environmental factors can influence the expression of traits in organisms.
Students will identify and explain how structural and behavioral adaptations help organisms survive in their environments.
07Weather and Climate
Students explore patterns in weather and climate, and how they are measured and predicted.
Students will learn to use various tools to measure weather conditions like temperature, precipitation, and wind.
Students will identify and describe common weather patterns and how they change over time.
Students will differentiate between weather and climate and identify major climate zones around the world.
Students will investigate the causes and effects of severe weather phenomena and safety precautions.
08Human Body Systems
Students explore the major organ systems of the human body and how they work together.
Students will identify the major bones and muscles and explain their roles in support and movement.
Students will trace the path of food through the digestive system and explain how nutrients are absorbed.
Students will describe the functions of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels in transporting oxygen and nutrients.
Students will identify the major parts of the nervous system and explain how sensory organs gather information.
Students will discuss the importance of nutrition, exercise, and hygiene for overall health.