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The
fifth-grade standards emphasize the importance
of selecting appropriate instruments for
measuring and recording observations.
The organization, analysis, and application
of data continue to be an important focus
of classroom inquiry. Science skills from
preceding grades, including questioning,
using and validating evidence, and systematic
experimentation, are reinforced at this
level. Students are introduced to more
detailed concepts of sound and light and
the tools used for studying them. Key
concepts of matter include atoms, molecules,
elements, and compounds, and the properties
of matter are defined in greater detail.
The cellular makeup of organisms and the
distinguishing characteristics of groups
of organisms are stressed. Students will
learn about the characteristics of the
oceans and the Earth’s changing
surface.
The
fifth-grade standards focus on student
growth in understanding the nature of
science. This scientific view defines
the idea that explanations of nature
are developed and tested using observation,
experimentation, models, evidence, and
systematic processes. The nature of science
includes the concepts that scientific
explanations are based on logical thinking;
are subject to rules of evidence; are
consistent with observational, inferential,
and experimental evidence; are open to
rational critique; and are subject to
refinement and change with the addition
of new scientific evidence. The nature
of science includes the concept that
science can provide explanations about
nature, can predict potential consequences
of actions, but cannot be used to answer
all questions.
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| 5.1 |
The
student will plan and conduct investigations
in which
- rocks,
minerals, and organisms are
identified using a classification
key;
- estimations
of length, mass,
and volume are made;
- appropriate
instruments are selected and used
for making quantitative observations
of length, mass, volume, and elapsed
time;
- accurate
measurements are made using basic
tools (thermometer, meter
stick, balance, graduated cylinder);
- data
are collected, recorded, and reported
using the appropriate graphical representation
(graphs, charts,
diagrams);
- predictions
are made using patterns, and simple
graphical data are extrapolated;
- manipulated
and responding variables are identified;
and
- an
understanding of the nature of science
is developed and reinforced.
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| 5.2 |
The
student will investigate and understand
how sound
is transmitted and is used as a
means of communication. Key concepts
include
- frequency, waves, wavelength, vibration;
- the
ability of different media (solids,
liquids, and gases) to transmit sound;
and
- uses
and applications (voice, sonar, animal
sounds, and musical
instruments).
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| 5.3 |
The
student will investigate and understand
basic characteristics of visible light
and how it behaves. Key concepts include
- the visible
spectrum and light
waves;
- refraction
of light through water and prisms;
- reflection
of light from reflective surfaces
(mirrors);
- opaque,
transparent, and translucent; and
- historical
contributions in understanding
light.
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| 5.4 |
The
student will investigate and understand
that matter is anything that has
mass; takes up space; and occurs as
a solid,
liquid, or gas. Key concepts include
- atoms, elements, molecules,
and compounds;
- mixtures
including solutions; and
- effect
of heat
on the states of matter.
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Living
Systems
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| 5.5 |
The
student will investigate and understand
that organisms are
made of cells and have distinguishing
characteristics. Key concepts include
- basic cell
structures and functions;
- kingdoms
of living things;
- vascular
and nonvascular plants; and
- vertebrates
and invertebrates.
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| 5.6 |
The
student will investigate and understand
characteristics of the ocean
environment. Key concepts include
- geological
characteristics (continental
shelf, slope, rise);
- physical
characteristics (depth, salinity, major
currents); and
- biological
characteristics (ecosystems).
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Earth
Patterns, Cycles, and Change
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| 5.7 |
The
student will investigate and understand
how the Earth’s surface is constantly
changing. Key concepts include
- the rock
cycle including the identification
of rock
types;
- Earth
history and fossil
evidence;
- the
basic structure of the Earth’s
interior;
- plate
tectonics (earthquakes
and volcanoes);
- weathering
and erosion; and
- human impact.
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