5th Grade Science

The Howard County Elementary Science Curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade is consistent with and in full support of the National Science Education Standards and Maryland State Science Content Standards. Students in each grade investigate concepts of Space and Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life/Environmental Science throughout the year.

In fifth grade, students will be studying the following units: Stars, Properties of Water, Movement and Features of Oceans, Matter, Forces, Simple Machines, and Ecosystems. When your child receives work in their Friday Folder for science, please go over it with him or her. If they have received a grade below a 70%, our policy is that the student can make the corrections and turn it in on Monday for a C.

Below are some links that you may find helpful with science.

Howard County Fifth Grade Science - This is the county site that lists the curriculum objectives that will be taught to every student in fifth grade. The curriculum is broken down into the various units of study.

Stars

Amazing Space - Interactive activities about the solar system. Test how much you know!

Science Monster - This science site has students learn about the solar system or take a virtual tour of Mars and the stars. By clicking on the picture of the sun, moon, or a planet, students learn statistics and information about everything space!

Your Sky - An "interactive planetarium," this site allows users to enter coordinates and create a map of the sky. Great to use when teaching rotation and revolution and when teaching constellations in the night sky.

Space Hopper Constellation Game  - identify the constellation from a picture and some background information, in this game with different difficulty levels. From FunBrain.com.

Kids Astronomy - Powerful and fun resource for kids, exploring astronomy and other space related topics. Play games, learn through interactive applications, and much more.

Properties of Water/Movements and Features of the Ocean

Secrets of the Ocean Realm - All you ever wanted to know about creatures in the sea. Includes great classroom activities.

Oceans Alive! - The oceans are alive! Our planet, mostly covered by water, is filled with movement and life. Learn all about our global seas in this terrific site.

The Watershed Game - The Bell Museum of Natural History has developed this game that lets you take on the role of a scientist concerned about water quality.

Bay Trippers: An Online Fieldtrip to the Chesapeake Bay - explore the changing bay, sail 'round it, learn all about it, and more!

Ocean and Weather Basics - What causes our seasons? What causes ocean waves? Then and seven other topics are explained and illustrated with graphics.

Oceanography - Student activities and teacher lesson plans which integrate other curriculum areas.

Matter

Chem4kids - Information on matter, atoms, elements, reactions, and biochemistry.

pH Factor - This site has 12 substances in which the students can quickly check the pH level and determine whether the substances are acids or bases.  Lesson plans are available.

Strange Matter  - discover the secrets of everyday "stuff" and find out how materials science helps explain how stuff is put together, how it can be used, how it can be changed, and lots more. Try your hand at fun activities to understand structure, properties, processing, and performance.

Forces and Simple Machines

EdHeads: Simple Machines - This site has interactive games and activities students can play to review their knowledge of simple machines, what they do, and where they can be found in everyday life.

Simple Machines - This great interactive site allows you to learn more about simple machines. Be patient though, it takes a bit of time to load.

Inventor's Toolbox - This site defines the elements of machines and has several links to interactive pages. It has information on simple machines, many of Leonardo DaVinci's original inventions and drawings that led to these machines, and a game to play with his original drawings.

Simple Machines Learning Site - The purpose of this web site is to teach elementary students about the six simple machines.  Each of the machines on the site contain information and activities for the students to use.  Teachers may use the links at the bottom for ideas, resources, and lesson plans. 

The Official Rube Goldberg Site - Information, examples, and explanations of Rube Goldberg's cartoons and inventions. This site goes hand-in-hand witht he Rube Goldberg activity at the end of the forces/simple machines unit.

Funderstanding Roller Coaster - How high or fast can you go? Design your own coaster and achieve maximum thrills and chills without crashing or flying off the track by learning about force, friction, and gravity.

Ecosystems

The Franklin Institute: Habitats and Ecosystems - This site has a wonderful collection of pictures and information about the varous biomes and ecosystems.

Biomes/Ecosystems - Check out various ecosystems and biomes.

The Watershed Game - Water...we all depend on it for survival. But water is a scarce resource—only one percent of all water on earth is freshwater! How can we keep this water pure and fresh? Play this game to learn more.

Build a Prairie Eco Game - Are you up for the challenge? If you choose the right plants and animals, you can watch the prairie come to life before your eyes!

Desert Ecosystems - Features the Great Basin, Mojave, and Colorado deserts and has info about water in these arid regions.

Earth on Edge  - Let PBS show you how five ecosystems are being affected by earth changes and see how you can get involved.