Grade Five
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, including those about atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds, are studied, 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 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.
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
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.
Force, Motion, and Energy
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).
