Fifth grade science students are actively engaged in a comprehensive science program as they build an understanding to make sense of the natural world through phenomenon-based instruction. Students will be interacting with content from different topics to include Earth and Space Science (ES), Life Science (LS), Physical Science (PS) and Engineering Design (ETS) Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students are able to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen through the development of a model. Students develop an understanding of the idea that regardless of the type of change that matter undergoes, the total weight of matter is conserved. Students determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances. Through the development of a model using an example, students are able to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. They describe and graph data to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth. Students develop an understanding of the idea that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water. Using models, students can describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment and that energy in animals’ food was once energy from the sun. Students are expected to develop an understanding of patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. The Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) of patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; energy and matter; and systems and systems models are called out as organizing concepts for these disciplinary core ideas. Students are expected to demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency with Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) by asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, designing solutions, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Students will conduct inquiry-based investigations through hands-on, digital and virtual laboratory experiences. Students will be introduced to various STEM careers while in grades K-12.The new upcoming Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) will be administered in fifth grade. Content from this course will prepare students for the assessment.
