Science — Grade 5

Ecosystem problem solving

Students will apply their knowledge of ecosystems and the interdependence of plants and animals to creatively solve problems.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Kelley Turner.

Decomposition

Students will observe decomposition in a pile of grass clippings and in a compost heap over time.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Monica Dubbs.

Archaeobotany

In Intrigue of the Past, page 2.6

Students will use pictures of seeds, an activity sheet, and a graph to identify seven seeds and the conditions in which they grow. They will also infer ancient plant use by interpreting archaeobotanical samples and determine changing plant use by Native North Carolinians by interpreting a graph of seed frequency over time.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 and 8 Science and Social Studies)

Resources on the web

Social trade-offs

The purpose of this lesson, from Science NetLinks, is to make and evaluate decisions by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each alternative. In the lesson, students practice the skill of decision-making through role-playing. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Paperbag paleontology

Cornell Paleontologist John Chiment enlists the aid of younger school children in sorting through materials collected at a dig site and, in the process, demonstrates that anyone can “do science.” (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Mark Twain's cave

Students will learn about the cave described in Mark Twain's famous novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. They will read a passage from the book and learn about how the cave has been used throughout history, using the Internet to learn about the... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Life in a drop of pond water

In this Science NetLinks lesson, the second in a two-part series on microorganisms, students observe microscopic organisms found in pond water using a hand lens, 30x magnification, and 100x magnification. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Killer windows

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study of migratory bird deaths conducted by Field Museum scientists. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

The geography of ascent

Students will explore what it would be like to climb one of the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent. They will become familiar with the world's biomes and learn that biomes change not only with latitude but also with elevation. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Ferocious felines

In this Xpeditions lesson, students study the biota—or flora and fauna—of the Kalahari Desert, and the importance of the lion's role as predator within this ecosystem. This lesson engages students in small group collaboration, research using online... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Design a regional "eco park"

In this Xpeditions lesson, students use the Internet to find out about the plants and animals that live in their local area. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Crane Cam: Conservation and economics

In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine the intended and unintended consequences of human environmental intervention. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Crane Cam: Conservation and community

In this Xpeditions lesson, students examine the intended and unintended consequences of human environmental intervention. They study crane activity in the Platte River Valley and research the effects of human intervention on bird populations. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Cicada emergence

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, biologist Keith Clay explains how periodical cicadas know when to emerge. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Antarctica: A cold desert ecosystem

Students will construct a rough map of Antarctic ecosystems and explore relationships among the creatures that populate them. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic