science

Heredity!!

Tue, 03 May 2016 23:44:21 +0100

Why do offspring look like their parents? Because of their genes! Not blue jeans, but the genes that contain genetic information. As we study heredity over the next couple of weeks, students will compare and identify learned behaviors vs. inherited traits. This also provides students with a chance to see how common some of their own inherited traits are. How many people in our class have a "hitch-hiker's thumb" or attached earlobes? How common are some of these traits among the entire fifth grade? We will find out soon!

The Building Blocks of Life!

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:56:39 +0100

During this marking period, students will explore cells and heredity. To start, students will compare the characteristics of living and non-living things. Once these basic characteristics are defined, students will examine the basic building block of life - the cell. Students will spend the next couple weeks identifying the structure and function of organelles found within animal and plant cells. This will help students determine the similarities and differences between these two cell types.

Wrapping up Unit 3

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 01:06:05 +0100

This week students will begin to review for the upcoming science checkpoint. Please ask your child when his/her class plans to take this checkpoint.
Topics will include:

What causes day and night on earth?
Why do we have different seasons?
What is the length of a year?
What is the difference between rotation and revolution?
How are inner and outer planets alike and different?
Why are we able to live on earth?

Review activities were assigned and students will work on them before break. When we return from break, students will also examine the properties of light. Students will explore how light travels, why a pencil appears to be "bent" when placed in a glass of water, and why we are able to see color.

Science MSA is here!

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 01:51:26 +0100

Our fifth graders have done a wonderful job reviewing concepts for the Science MSA. This year, students will take this assessment on their chromebook. All classes will be taking a practice MSA Science assessment so that students cam familiarize themselves with the format of the test and how to use the tools, such as answer eliminator and the highlighting tool.

The MSA Science will be given on Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11. Make-up assessments will begin the following week.

Blast off!

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 03:14:10 +0100

As we begin Unit 3, students will explore the solar system. By learning about the characteristics of the inner and outer planets, students will be able to compare and contrast them. We will also explore the unique characteristics of our planet, Earth, which allow it to support life.

Students will be able to describe what causes day and night, as well as the seasons.

Magnetism!

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 01:05:37 +0100

This week students will explore the properties of magnets. We will have the chance to learn how magnets are formed and how we can make them. Students will even be able to test the strength of a magnetic field.

Our first week back...

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 21:08:06 +0100

will be an exciting one! Students will review the difference between parallel and series circuits. Teachers will finish observing students build and explain circuits before introducing our new concept, magnetism! This week students will also begin to explore magnetism. Students will learn about the properties of magnets. Were are they found? How can they be used? What will happen if magnets are cut in half? Students will even learn that they are living on the largest magnet - our earth!

Zap!

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 20:04:12 +0100

Students applied their prior knowledge of atoms to investigate static electricity. When there is a build up of electrons (negative charges) because of friction, those negative charges will attract or travel to uncharged surfaces. In class, students created static electricity by rubbing balloons on their shirts. Extra electrons from the students' shirts were transferred to the balloon. When placed near an uncharged surface, like the wall, the balloon stuck until the charge wore off. Static electricity will then be compared to lightning! It's 'shocking' how similar the two really are!

The Basics!

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 22:51:00 +0100

Before students explore magnetism and electricity, it is important to build background knowledge. This means that students will learn about atoms and their parts. Atoms are the smallest unit of an element that can exist and still retain the properties of the element. When two or more atoms are joined together, molecules are created.

It's amazing to think that everything around us is made up of these microscopic objects. Students will learn that the center of an atom, its nucleus, is made up of neutrons and protons. Electrons are found zooming around the the nucleus in their orbitals.

Moving electrons are crucial when it comes to explaining electricity...which will be introduced after Thanksgiving break.

It's almost time!

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:32:06 +0100

Don't forget to send in supplies for the egg drop! Students will need a maximum of 60 drinking straws and masking tape. Construction days are Tuesday and Wednesday (October 27th and 28th). The first round of the egg drop takes place on Thursday. All structures that survive the 5, 10, and 15 foot drops will then head to the roof for the final drop on Friday!!
We wish all of our 5th grade engineers the best and are glad they are so excited about this activity!