Science — Grade 5

Resources on the web

Leopard seals and penguins: A delicate balance

In this lesson from Xpeditions, students consider the factors that could contribute to the disruption of the delicate balance between leopard seals and penguins in the Antarctic. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

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

Introducing biodiversity

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students use online resources to identify the basic components necessary for biodiversity and the critical and countless benefits of habitats, as well as the serious present and future threats to their ongoing existence. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 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

Folktales and ecology: Animals and humans in cooperation and conflict

Students study relationships between humans and animals in folktales in order to highlight issues concerning ecology and the environment. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities

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

Eco-Cycle: Finding the parts of an ecosystem

This lesson from Xpeditions uses the Eco-Cycle Station in National Geographic's Xpedition Hall to introduce students to ecosystems in Hawaii, as well as the plants and animals that make up the ecosystems. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

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

Changing with the tide

Students will learn about and act out the functions of the salt marsh habitat. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Bird beaks

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students explore the relationship between a bird's beak and its ability to find food and survive in a given environment. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Bird baths: Cleaning up wildlife after oil spills

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the causes and effects of events such as oil spills and contaminations. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

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