Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, andLogic

Experimental Design

• 5.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
• a) rocks, minerals, and organisms are identified using a classification key;
• b) estimations of length, mass, and volume are made;
• c) appropriate instruments are selected and used for making quantitative observations of length, mass, volume, and elapsed time;
• d) accurate measurements are made using basic tools (thermometer, meter stick, balance, graduated cylinder);
• e) data are collected, recorded, and reported using the appropriate graphical representation (graphs, charts, diagrams);
• f) predictions are made using patterns, and simple graphical data are extrapolated;
• g) manipulated and responding variables are identified; and
• h) an understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced.

back to top

Force, Motion, and Energy

Light and Sound

• 5.2 The student will investigate and understand how sound is transmitted and is used as a means of communication. Key concepts include
• a) frequency, waves, wavelength, vibration;
• b) the ability of different media (solids, liquids, and gases) to transmit sound; and
• c) uses and applications (voice, sonar, animal sounds, and musical instruments).
• 5.3 The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of visible light and how it behaves. Key concepts include
• a) the visible spectrum and light waves;
• b) refraction of light through water and prisms;
• c) reflection of light from reflective surfaces (mirrors);
• d) opaque, transparent, and translucent; and
• e) historical contributions in understanding light.

back to top

Living Systems

Micro to Macro

• 5.5 The student will investigate and understand that organisms are made of cells and have distinguishing characteristics. Key concepts include
• a) basic cell structures and functions;
• b) kingdoms of living things;
• c) vascular and nonvascular plants; and
• d) vertebrates and invertebrates.

back to top

Matter

Oceans

• 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
• a) atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds;
• b) mixtures including solutions; and
• c) the effect of heat on the states of matter.

back to top

Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems

Oceans

• 5.6 The student will investigate and understand characteristics of the ocean environment. Key concepts include
• a) geological characteristics (continental shelf, slope, rise);
• b) physical characteristics (depth, salinity, major currents); and
• c) biological characteristics (ecosystems).

back to top

Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Changes

Landforms

• 5.7 The student will investigate and understand how the Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Key concepts include
• a) the rock cycle including identification of rock types;
• b) Earth history and fossil evidence;
• c) the basic structure of the Earth’s interior;
• d) plate tectonics (earthquakes and volcanoes);
• e) weathering and erosion; and
• f) human impact.

back to top