Science @ 280Q
The Science program in Grades 3 to 5 is an inquiry and hands-on program. Students conduct hands-on experiments to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas as well as understanding of the natural world.
Third Grade
Unit 1 Measurement
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Understand the necessity for standard units of measurement.
Measure length, distance, width and circumference in metric units.
Measure volume and capacity in liters and milliliters.
Measure mass in grams and kilograms.
Measure temperature in degrees Celsius.
Use math and language skills in the context of metric measurement.
Employ tools to find measurement.
Practice and gain experience estimating –volume, mass, temperature, length.
Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations.
Unit 2 Energy Works
Identify the sun as the source of most energy on earth.
Describe properties of different forms of energy.
Understand that energy can change forms.
Identify and define waves as patterns of motion.
Compare how sound travels through different mediums.
Observe and describe heat conduction.
Identify evidence of energy transformation (example: heat to light)
Construct models of a wind turbine or a waterwheel.
Identify ways in which humans use energy.
Identify energy sources and their environmental effect.
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Unit 3 Force and Motion –SIMPLE MACHINES
Observe the effect of pushing and pulling
Measure force
Identify the elements necessary to do work
Identify and describe use of simple machine.
Describe ways in which machines help us do work.
Discuss trade off between force and distance when using simple tools.
Describe friction as a force.
Observe how force is transferred (wheel and axle).
Unit 4 Plant and animal adaptations
Life in Ecosystem
Distinguish between different ecosystems.
Identify plants and animals in each ecosystem.
Describe life cycle of an organism.
Distinguish between inherited and learned behavior.
Distinguish between physical and behavioral adaptations (beaks, feet, camouflage, etc.)
Distinguish between variations in adaptations for survival purposes.
Predict the results of a problem caused by environmental changes and how it can affect organisms
Fourth Grade
Unit 1
Animals and plants in their environment
(Food Chains & Webs) DMS
Animal Structures
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Compare soil samples.
Identify structures and function of a bean and a flower
Identify, describe physical properties and behaviors of living organisms.
Investigate interactions among living and nonliving things in an ecosystem.
Identify members of the ecosystem and their roles.
Describe how do changes in an ecosystem affect living organisms.
Observe, record and discuss animal and plant adaptations.(Anoles habitat)
Acquire vocabulary associated with food webs.
Unit 2
Magnetism and Electricity
Observe interactions of magnets with common materials.
Measure the change in force between 2 magnets.
Identify materials that are conductors or insulators.
Understand how circuits work. Construct electric circuits.
Understand connection between electricity and magnetism
Identify properties of different sources of energy
Learn about alternatives to fossil fuels
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Unit 3
Weather/Climate Patterns and
Changing Earth
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Interpret weather clues and data
Investigate weather using tools
​Describe the water cycle
​Describe and illustrate the natural processes by which water is recycled on earth (e.g., ground water, runoff)
​Investigate the negative and positive impact of extreme natural events on living things:hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and winter storms
​Identify the layers of the Earth
Compare different types of rocks
Classify rocks by their properties
Make connections between erosion, sedimentation and, the rock cycle.
Explore how water can erode land.
Identify ways to model solutions to the problems of erosion.
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Fifth Grade
Unit 1
Structures and Properties of Matter
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Define and differentiate among matter.
Find volume of matter.
Recognize that matter can change from solid to liquid to gas.
Identify melting, evaporation, and condensation as phase changes.
Identify additional physical properties of matter, including buoyancy, hardness, magnetism, and viscosity.
Compare the behaviors of solids and liquids when they are mixed.
Determine solubility.
Explain the difference between a solution and a mixture.
Experiment with different ways to separate solutions.
Describe signs of a chemical change and observe chemical reaction.
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Unit 2
Earth and Space Systems
Use scientific method/experimental design to set up an exploration.
Identify and describe
Investigate
Describe
Observe, record and discuss.
Acquire vocabulary associated with
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Unit 3
Food and Nutrition
Observe and investigate food properties.
Test acidity, vitamins, fats and sugars in food using indicators.
Acquire vocabulary related with nutrition
Relate experiments results to the amount of chemicals in food.
Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations. Build explanations, communicate, and compare data.
Become aware of guides for healthy nutrition.
Become informed consumers and gather information about food products.
Unit 4
Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
Use scientific method/experimental design to set up an exploration.
Identify and describe properties of matter.
Investigate and describe cycles in nature.
Describe properties of a food web.
Use evidence to explain phenomena.
Observe, record and discuss changes in the environment.
Acquire vocabulary associated with the topic(s)