Boise Schools Curriculum

Science - Fifth Grade

District Course #512

Course Description

Science at the elementary level will explore concepts in three main areas: earth science, physical science, and life science. The scientific method and measurement concepts will be incorporated in all three areas, and coordinated with laboratory activities. Unit Zero is not to be taught as a separate unit. Unit Zero has been added to the scope of the course in order to outline major concepts that will be used in units throughout the year. State standards are imbedded throughout the course and guide its instructional objectives. While each standard is expressed through specific instructional objectives, instructors should seek opportunities to apply standards throughout the course.

Adopted Materials

Title: Discover the Wonder
Publisher: Scott Forseman

Hands on Science Laboratory Kits

STC Microworlds
STC Motion and Design
STC Rocks and Minerals

Copyright Resources

Appendix - Bibliography

Course Scope

Unit 0	Unifying Concepts	Ongoing
Unit 1	Physical Science: Force and Motion	6-8 weeks
Unit 2	Life Science: Cells	6-8 weeks
Unit 3	Earth Science: Geology	6-8 weeks

Unit 0 Unifying Concepts Scientific Inquiry, Technology, Communication
Unit 1 Physical Science Effects of Push/Pull Potential and Kinetic Energy Effects of Gravity & Friction on objects	Unit 2 Life Science Structural Levels of an Organism Plant & Animal Cells Photosynthesis	Unit 3 Earth Science Fossils Rock Cycle Earth's Layers

Assessment Correlation acronyms key

For specific Standard References please see: Idaho State Assessment Standards
Download this curriculum and standards documentation as a "Printer Friendly" pdf file

Unit 0

Unifying Concepts, Scientific Inquiry, Technology, and Communication

Ongoing

Instructional Objective 512.00 Know the Unifying Concepts and Skills that direct science, activate technology and provide historical and social perspectives			Standard Reference 5.S.1
No	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Explore & use models to explain how theories work	Discover the Wonder by ScottForesman STC Kits FOSS Kits		TMA
02	Understand the concepts of past, present, and future
03	Explain that a system consists of an organized group of related objects that form a whole
04	Analyze changes that occur in and among systems.
05	Compare and contrast different systems.
06	Explain how the shape or form of an object or system is frequently related to its use or function.
07	Select and use appropriate units and tools to make measurements with the metric system and U.S. Customary system.
08	Explain the difference between observations and inferences
09	Use observations and data as evidence on which to base scientific explanations and predictions.
10	Understand the relationship between science and technology.
11	Use available technology to assist in solving problems
12	Understand the importance of working in teams to solve scientific problems.
13	Identify the contributions of notable scientists.
14	Use scientific inquiry to develop critical thinking skills by: ●Writing and analyzing questions that can be answered by conducting scientific experiments. ● Reading and following technical instructions. ● Stating a hypothesis based on observations. ●Conducting scientific investigations using a control and a variable. ●Selecting and using appropriate tools and techniques to gather and display data. ●Comparing alternative explanations and predictions. ●Communicating scientific procedures & explanations.

Back to Top
Unit 1	Force and Motion	6-8 weeks

Instructional Objective 512.01 Investigate the effect of pull/push forces on the motion and direction of objects.			Standard Reference 5.S.2
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Observe the effects of push/pull forces on the motion and direction of objects.	STC Kit "Motion and Design" 5^th Discover the Wonder Module B Lesson 1		TMA
02	Conduct experiments that would compare the effect of push/pull on an object using controls and variables.			TMA
03	Collect, record, and interpret data.			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.02 Compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy.			Standard Reference 5.S.2
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Define potential and kinetic energy.	STC Kit "Motion and Design" 5^th Discover the Wonder Module D Lesson 1 Windows on Science		TMA
02	Describe examples of potential and kinetic energy.			TMA
03	Compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy.			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.03 Describe the effect of different forces (gravity and friction) on the movement, speed, and direction of an object.			Standard Reference 5.S.2
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Observe through teacher demonstrations the effects of a force on the movement, speed, and direction of an object.	5^th Discover the Wonder Module C Ch. 1, Ch. 2, & Ch. 3 STC Kit "Design and Motion" Discover Science Discrepant Events: Motion		TMA
02	Explain that the force of Earth�s gravity pulls objects toward Earth.			TMA
03	Design and conduct experiments that demonstrate the effects of friction on the movement, speed, and direction of an object.			TMA
04	Calculate the average speed of a moving object.			TMA
05	Collect and graph data; measure using standard and metric systems with an emphasis on metrics.			TMA
06	Investigate theories of motion.			TMA
07	Trace Newton�s contributions to the development of the Laws of Motion.			TMA
08	Learn Newton�s Laws of Motion.			TMA
09	Demonstrate Newton�s Laws of Motion.			TMA
10	Recognize that some concepts in science do not change with time.			TMA

Back to Top
Unit 2	Cells	6-8 weeks

Instructional Objective 512.04 Explore the different structural levels of which an organism is comprised: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organism.			Standard Reference 5.S.3
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Observe cells through microscopes.	5^th Discover the Wonder Module A Ch. 1 & Ch. 3 Health Text Ch. 2 Windows on Science		TMA
02	Define terms: cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.			TMA
03	Relate structure of organism to other working systems (school, community, city, and solar system).			TMA
04	Know that a system is an organized group of related objects that form a whole (i.e. describe function of each body system)			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.05 Recognize the structural differences between plant and animal cells.			Standard Reference 5.S.3
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Trace Leeuwenhoek�s contributions to the development of the microscope.	5^th Discover the Wonder Module A Ch. 1 & Ch. 3 STC Kit "Microworlds" Discovery Deck		TMA
02	Practice the proper use of a microscope.			TMA
03	Sketch and label different parts of an animal cell.			TMA
04	Sketch and label different parts of a plant cell.			TMA
05	Compare and contrast the parts of plant and animal cells.			TMA
06	Observe a variety of cells and organisms using a microscope.			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.06 Know that the energy for life is primarily derived from the sun through photosynthesis.			Standard Reference 5.S.3
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Review parts of a plant cell. Emphasize chloroplasts.	5^th Discover the Wonder Module D Ch. 3		TMA
02	Communicate how plants convert energy from the sun through photosynthesis.			TMA
03	Diagram, create a model, or explain the process of photosynthesis.			TMA
04	Compare and contrast the structural differences between plant and animal cells.			TMA

Back to Top
Unit 3	Geology	6-8 weeks

Instructional Objective 512.07 Investigate the interactions between the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms.			Standard Reference 5.S.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Develop an understanding of plate tectonics and its effect on the earth�s crust including continental drift.	4^th Discover the Wonder Module C Ch. 1 & Ch. 3 Window on Science		TMA
02	Identify volcanic effects on the earth�s environment.			TMA
03	Identify the effects of earthquakes on the earth�s environment.			TMA
04	Identify the effects of weathering and erosion on the Earth�s surface.			TMA
05	Describe the processes of mountain formations.			TMA
06	Research historic eruption/earthquakes and determine their effects on the environment.			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.08 Know that fossils are evidence of past life forms.			Standard Reference 5.S.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Describe how scientists learn about the past.	6^th Discover the Wonder Module C Chts. 1 & 2 Windows on Science		TMA
02	Understand how living matter is replaced by minerals in fossil formation.			TMA
03	Demonstrate knowledge of fossil formation.			TMA
04	Understand the relationships of past, present, and future.			TMA
05	Know observations and data as evidence on which to base scientific explanations and predictions.			TMA
06	Analyze changes that occur in and among systems.			TMA
07	Develop skills to create scientific explanations based on scientific knowledge, logic, and analysis.			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.09 Know the rock cycle and identify the three classifications of rocks.			Standard Reference 5.S.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Explain and diagram the rock cycle.	STC Kit "Rocks and Minerals" Windows on Science		TMA
02	Compare and contrast the three classifications of rocks.			TMA
03	Identify and classify rocks according to their properties.			TMA
Instructional Objective 512.10Know the layers and composition of the earth.			Standard Reference 5.S.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Identify the layers of the earth.	4^th Discover the Wonder Module C Ch. 1 Windows on Science		TMA
02	Demonstrate understanding of earth layers.			TMA
03	Use models to explain or demonstrate a concept.			TMA

This Bibliography provides a sampling of books and other resources that complement the various science units. The selections were made from the resource portions of each kit as well as the National Science Teachers Association (http://www.nsta.org). Please visit these areas for more ideas.

Motion and Design

Challoner, Jack. Energy. Eyewitness Science Series. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1993.
     This book explores where we can find energy and how we can make the most of it. "Is it possible to build a perpetual motion machine?" and "How is energy used in transportation?" are two of the many questions answered. Experiments and demonstrations are included.

Cobb, Vicki. Why Doesn't the Earth Fall Up? And Other Not Such Dumb Questions About Motion. New York: Dutton Children's Books, 1989.
     This book answers nine questions about motion, explaining Newton's laws of motion, gravity, centrifugal force, and other principles of movement.

White, Jack R. The Hidden World of Forces. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1987.
     This book discusses some of the forces at work in the universe, such as friction, gravitation, electromagnetism, and surface tension. Illustrative experiments are included.

Technology, Engineering, and Design

Bortz, Fred. Catastrophe! Great Engineering Failure - and Success. Scientific American Mysteries of Science Series. Illustrated by Gary Tong. New York: Scientific American Books for Young Readers, 1995.
     This book discusses engineering failures and shows how engineers try to find and eliminate anything that can lad to failure in their designs.

Butterfield, Moira. Record Breakers and Other Speed Machines. Look Inside Cross-Sections Series. Illustrated by Chris Grigg and Keith Harmer. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
     This book contains colorful cross-sectional drawings that show the interior and exterior of 12 speed machines of different eras and kinds - ranging from the tea clipper ships to dragsters, powerboats and Indy cars. Brief text and simple, technical facts about each vessel introduce young readers to the technology of these vehicles.

Gunning, Thomas G. Dream Cars. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon Press, 1990.
     The author describes a variety of present-day experimental cars and tells how teams of designers and engineers can forecast the shape of future automobiles. The book also discusses vintage cars and how they influence future designs. Color photographs illustrate some of these unusual vehicles.

Morgan, Sally and Adrian Morgan. Technology in Action: Movement. Designs in Science Series. New York: Facts on Filek, 1994.
     This book is part of a series designed to develop young readers' knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of movement, structures, energy, light, sound, materials, and water using an integrated science approach. A central theme of the series is the close link between design in the natural world and design in modern technology.

Van Meter, Vicki, with Dan Guman. Taking Flight: My Story. New York: Viking, 1995.
     Vicki Van Meter tells how she piloted a plane across the continent at age 12 and across the Atlantic Ocean when she was 14. Her book tells of the obstacles she had to overcome to realize her dreams and integrates related fields such as mathematics, science, geography, and meteorology.

Inventors and Inventions

Gates, Phil. Nature Got There First: Inventions Inspired by Nature. New York: KingFisher, 1995.
     Illustrated with photographs and prints - contrasts inventions from eight categories of technology - including building materials, building designs, and the shape of tools - with nature's designs.

Jones, Charlotte Foltz. Mistakes That Worked. New York: Doubleday, 1991.
     This book tells the stories behind 40 things or processes that were invented or named by accident, including the vulcanization of rubber and the Frisbee disk.

Karnes, Frances A., and Suzanne M. Bean. Girls and Young Women Inventing: Twenty True Stories about Inventors Plus How You Can Be One Yourself. Minneapolis: Free Spirit, 1995.
     Part one of this book presents the stories of 20 girls and young women and their inventions. Part two describes the steps in the going from an idea to a working invention. Part three includes additional information to encourage readers as they begin the inventing process.

Platt, Richard. Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1994.
     This unique timeline features more than 400 inventions that have changed the world. The book shows, for example, what was happening in the world when the bicycle was invented and how the steam engine influenced industry and transportation during the nineteenth century.

Rocks and Minerals

Asimov, Isaac. How Did We Find Out about Coal? New York: Walker and Company, 1980.
     Presents a history of fire, considers wood as a fuel, and discusses the formation of coal and the history of its use as a fuel.

Brandt, Keith. Caves. Nahwah, NJ: Troll associates, 1985.
     Describes how caves are formed and what one might find inside.

Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth. New York: Scholastic, 1987.
     On a field trip in the magic school bus, Ms. Frizzle's class learns firsthand about different kinds of rock and the formation of the earth.

Hiscock, Bruce. The Big Rock. New York: Atheneum, 1988.
     Traces the origin of a granite rock located near the Adirondack Mountains and describes how it reveals information about the history of the earth.

Lauber, Patricia. Volcano. New York: Bradbury Press, 1986.
     An account of how and why Mount St,. Helens erupted in 1980, the destruction it caused, and the return of life to that area.

Symes, R.F., and R.R. Hading. Crystal & Gem. New York: Knopf, 1991.
     Describes the basic shapes of crystals and how they form in nature, how crystals are studied and identified, how crystals are grown artificially, and other aspects of crystallography.

Microworlds

Gennaro, Joseph, and Lisa Grillone. Small Worlds Close Up. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1978.
     Remarkable black-and-white photographs of common objects magnified hundreds to thousand of times. A favorite for all levels. The text is brief.

Paige, David. A Day in the Life of a Police Detective. Mahway, NJ: Troll associates, 1981.
     A picture essay with brief text highlights investigative techniques and the use of a forensics laboratory in solving crimes.

Simon, Seymour. Hidden Worlds: Pictures of the Invisible. New York: William Morrow & Company, 1983.
     An exploration of things you cannot see around you, inside you, and out in space. Microscopes, telescopes, X rays, and high-speed and infrared photography reveal the invisible world in black and white as well as in color.

Fifth Grade Curriculum	Curriculum Home	Download this curriculum as a pdf file
Science curriculum e-mail contact:

Boise School District
8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, ID 83709