TCH 257 - Science Methods

Below explore lesson plans, phenomena, and library materials that are related to the NGSS topics and standards for fifth grade. Select one of the topics below to be taken to materials on that topic. 

1. Matter: Structure and Properties
2. Matter and Energy in Life
3. Earth: Systems and Interactions
4. Earth, Space, and Stars
5. 3-5 Engineering Design

Performance Expectations:

5-PS1-1.    Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen. 

5-PS1-2.    Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that regardless of the type of change that occurs when heating, cooling, or mixing substances, the total weight of matter is conserved. 

5-PS1-3.    Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. 

5-PS1-4.    Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.

Detailed Matter: Structure and Properties Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Reusable Heat Packs
• Magnetic Slime

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

5-PS3-1.    Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

5-LS1-1.    Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.

5-LS2-1.    Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

Detailed Matter and Energy in Life Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Ecosphere sealed for over 50 years
• Attack of the Killer Fungi

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

5-ESS2-1.    Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. 

5-ESS2-2.    Describe and graph the amounts of salt water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth. 

5-ESS3-1.    Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

Detailed Earth: Systems and Interactions Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• How to Make a Cloud in Your Mouth
• Glacier National Park is Melting Away

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

5-PS2-1.    Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down. 

5-ESS1-1.    Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from the Earth.

5-ESS1-2.    Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.

Detailed Earth, Space, and Stars Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• 3D Tour of Constellations
• Woman Hit by Meteorite

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

3-5-ETS1-1.    Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

3-5-ETS1-2.    Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-3.    Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Detailed Engineering Design Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Airpod Case Design
• Programmable Droplets from MIT

Example Books