Science — Grade 5

Stay still

In this lesson students will learn about stability. They will design and build an earthquake-proof house that takes into account the forces acting upon it and the materials with which it will be built. The house will be tested in a “shake table.” Students will be assessed by the product itself as well as their analysis of the results of the test.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Skyscrapers

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 3.3

In this lesson, students will build a tower that is as tall as possible, freestanding, and can withstand a slight breeze.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Revenge of the crash test dummies

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 3.4

In this lesson, students will design and build a wall capable of withstanding the impact of a speeding vehicle driven by angry crash test dummies.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Push-Me Pull-Me toys

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 1.3

In this lesson, students find themselves working as engineers and toy designers for the Push-Me Pull-Me Toy Company. They will design and build a prototype of a simple toy that moves with a push or pull of one finger.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1, 3, and 5 Visual Arts Education and Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Earthquake-proof homes

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 3.5

For this lesson, students use knowledge gained from previous lessons to design and build an earthquake-proof home. They will test their structures on a “shake table” and see if their houses survive.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Building out

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 3.2

Students will be using thin spaghetti noodles and tape to construct a cantilever that projects as far as possible out from a table without touching the floor.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Resources on the web

The Science of Hurricanes

This lesson is the first of a two-part series on the science of hurricanes and the kinds of technology being used to identify and track them. Students examine different scientific aspects of hurricanes, all in an effort to begin to understand the nature of... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 and 7 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Exploring pendulums

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students will explore websites with simulations of pendulums, where they'll be able to change the length and angle of the bob and observe its effects. They will then construct and test their own controlled-falling systems,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science