G5+Science+U1


 * ALLMSES GRADE 5 SCIENCE CURRICULUM Hunter ** Sept 2012 – June 2013


 * Unit 1: ** The Nature of Science


 * Enduring Understanding: **There are many processes to understanding the world around you and they all begin with a change in thinking.


 * Essential Question: **//What is the process for exploring a natural environment// ?


 * Standards: **
 * S1.1a,b,c ** - Formulate questions of scientific inquiry with the aid of references appropriate for guiding the search for explanations of everyday observations.
 * S2.1d, S3.1a,b ** - Employ tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
 * S1.2a, S2.1b,c, S2.2b,c,d,e, S2.3b,c ** - Identify questions and formulate hypothesis; design and conduct scientific investigations to answer those questions.


 * EfS Standards: **
 * B2~ ** Demonstrate individual and collective respect for themselves and the commons
 * B6~ ** Demonstrate their awareness of human choices and their consequences, using their own choices as exemplars
 * C3~ ** Be able to step back and see the big picture
 * C19~ ** Understand and operate knowing that one person’s gain is interdependent with everyone’s gain – one player’s folly can lead to folly for all.
 * C27~ ** Track existing causal relations {feedback loops} within the system and over time
 * E4~ ** Research healthy commons locally and/ or globally and compare and contrast the various ways people use, protect and care for them
 * G12~ ** Practice and continuously improve their work
 * G15~ ** Exhibit the drive to discover new territory

The EPA has requested that you as a scientist create an Environmental Experimentation Presentation that documents how humans can have a positive impact on their environment. If they are convinced by your visual and oral presentation, your report will be published in their monthly newsletter.
 * Performance Task: **

Getting to know your text book worksheet “Science: Harcourt” (Students will familiarize themselves with the entire textbook.) Complete the “Science safety checklist” || // Scavenger hunt through the textbook ~ Harcourt // ||  || [2days] || Microscope Magnifying glass and box, spring Scale, ruler, balance, graduated cylinder, hand lens, dropper, forceps, thermometer, measuring cups and spoons, classify, mass, weight, volume, observe || KBAD understand how tools are used to make better observations. || KWL //“How do we explore nature utilizing scientific tools?”//
 * ** Lesson ** || ** Vocabulary ** || ** Objectives/KBAD ** || ** Activity ** || ** Homework ** || ** efS ** ||
 * 1 || Index, glossary, table of contents || KBAD understand how to utilize the science text book || Complete the “Dear Reader” Science letter
 * 2

The students utilized the tools at various stations. || // Choose three items in your home that you can measure with a ruler (use inches when recording their measurement.) // ||  || [2 Days] || Investigation, predict, model, compare, Inquiry Experiment, control, contrast, variables, draw conclusions, hypothesize, communicate || KBAD understand how an investigation differs from an experiment. || The students will complete a Venn Diagram: investigation vs. experiment
 * 3

Compare and Contrast || // Complete the written investigation as to what would happen if you drop an item in a full cup of water. // // ( You select the item) // // ]The Scientific Method at Work Experiment, worksheet] // ||  || Control group, conclusion, conduct an experiment, ask questions, observe, || KBAD identify and use the steps in the scientific method. || Introduction to the steps of the scientific method 1] Observe and ask questions 2] Form a Hypothesis 3] Plan an experiment 4] Conduct Experiment 5] Draw Conclusions / Communicate Results
 * 4 || Scientific method

Connection to previous [water homework experiment] || // Conduct an experiment “ Make a Helicopter”. Explain each step of the scientific method utilizing the afore mentioned experiment. // ||  || Decomposers, mold, || KBAD explain the initial steps of composting (go to pbs.org) || Sequencing explain the [|decomposing process] ||   ||   ||
 * 5 || Composting
 * 6 || Compost, worms, Newspaper, Bin, Moist, Soil || KBAD Create a Composting Bin || We will begin our composting campaign with the establishment of composting bins

Sequencing || // Work on journal of the composting experience // ||  || Theory || KBAD create questions about everyday observations that can be tested in an experiment. || Experiment that answers an everyday question “Will the shape of a paper airplane determine how far it will travel?
 * 7 || Formula

Questioning || // Create a question about an everyday observation. // ||  || [2 Day] || Observe Record Measure Variables || KBAD complete an experiment using scientific tools. || Using the class questions [ What is the best ecofriendly way to get rid of fruit flies ?] we will complete an experiment using the scientific method.
 * 8

Drawing Conclusions || // Reflect upon the success of your experiment. // ||  || Analyze || KBAD design a presentation that documents their process and results. || Write and publish a written log of their experiment and process; create and prepare for an oral presentation.
 * 9 || Evaluate

Creation of informational text. || // Complete your write-up of the experiment. Practice giving the oral presentation // ||  || (3 Days) ||  || KBAD begin the process of identifying which mixture will naturally preserve the piece of fruit. || The students will begin to research which fruits the want to utilize to conduct their experiments.
 * 10

They will write out the three different mixtures; lemon juice, salt water and plain water. || // Conduct the experiment, and make daily observations for three days. // ||  ||


 * Ongoing activities: **
 * Kick-off composting
 * Conducting experiments and observations
 * Charting and graphing data