• Science in Fifth Grade, 2013-2014
    FOSS Module Descriptions

    Motion, Force, and Models – Classroom Teacher

    The Motion, Force, and Models Module has four investigations that focus on the physical science concepts of force and motion and provide students with in-depth experiences with scientific and engineering practices. In this module, students will 

    • Design and conduct controlled experiments to find out what variables affect the transfer of energy.
    • Use data and logic to construct and communicate reasonable explanations about forces and motion.
    • Work with others as scientists and engineers to create conceptual and physical models to explain how something works.
    • Plan designs, select materials, construct products, evaluate, and improve ideas to meet specific criteria.    

    Mixtures andSolutions –

    Chemistry is the study of the structure of matter and the changes or transformations that take place within those structures. Learning about the properties and behaviors of substances gives us knowledge about how things go together and how they can be taken apart.Learning about changes in substances can lead to the development of new materials and new ways to produce energy. The Mixtures and Solutions Module has four investigations that introduce students to fundamental ideas in chemistry. In this module, students will:

    • Make and separate mixtures, using screens, filters, and evaporation.
    • Measure solids and liquids to compare the mass of a mixture to the mass of its parts.
    • Use a balance to determine relative concentration. Layer solutions to determine relative density (concentration).
    • Plan and conduct saturation investigations. Compare the solubility of substances in water.
    • Identify an unknown substance based on the properties of solubility and crystal form.
    • Observe and compare reactants and products of several chemical reactions.    

    Sun, Moon, andPlanets –

    The Sun, Moon, and Planets Module has four investigations that focus on Earth's place in the solar system. In this module, students will

    • Observe and compare shadows during a school day.
    • Relate the position of the Sun in the sky to the size and orientation of an object's shadow.
    • Use physical models to explain day and night.
    • Record observations of the night sky.
    • Observe and record changes in the Moon's appearance every day for a month.
    • Analyze observational data to discover the sequence of changes that occur during the Moon's phase cycle.
    • Make and interpret a model of the Earth, Moon, and Sun system.
    • Classify planets by their various properties.
    • Record and display the organization of the solar system graphically.
    • Identify several constellations as stable, predictable patterns of stars.
    • Use models to build explanations.