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Rio Tinto Hands On Science Curriculum Grade 5

Rio Tinto Hands On Science Curriculum Grade 5

Intended Learning Outcomes for Fifth Grade Science

ELECTROMAGNETS

Description:

Electromagnets are used to observe that the mass of an object correlates to how many of those objects are picked up. As students conduct their experiment, they will also be assembling a mock science fair project.

Electromagnets Unit

A cartoon illustration promoting a science fair, featuring lab equipment.

STANDARD I: Students will understand that chemical and physical changes occur in matter.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES

Description:

Students observe that during chemical and physical changes the mass of a system doesn't change.

Physical and Chemical Changes Unit

Diagram illustrating the physical change of water to ice and the chemical change of water to hydrogen peroxide.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TESTS

Description:

Five mystery powders are evaluated for their physical and chemical characteristics. After students complete their studies, they predict the identity of the five powders and solve the mystery.

Physical and Chemical Tests Unit

Five circular areas contain colorful paint splotches on a white surface.

STANDARD II: Students will understand that volcanoes, earthquakes, uplift, weathering, and erosion reshape Earth's surface.

TYPES OF WEATHERING AND EROSION

Description:

Marble, sandstone, and granite are rapidly weathered through chemical and physical means. Students also observe erosion and try and figure out how to slow down its effects.

Types of Weathering and Erosion Unit

Three samples of rock fragments are displayed on a dark surface.

PLATE TECTONICS AND MOUNTAIN BUILDING

Description:

The Landform kit from the Utah Geological Survey is used to study the Theory of Plate Tectonics, causes of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the formation of mountains.

Plate Tectonics and Mountain Building Unit

A stylized globe shows Earth's continents with red lines representing tectonic plates.

STANDARD III: Students will understand that magnetism can be observed when there is an interaction between the magnetic fields of magnets or between a magnet and materials made of iron.

MAGNETISM

Description:

Magnets and magnetite are compared and explored.

Magnetism Unit

Iron filings demonstrate the magnetic field lines around two bar magnets.

ELECTROMAGNETS

Description:

Electromagnets are used to observe that the mass of an object correlates to how many of those objects are picked up. As students conduct their experiment, they will also be assembling a mock science fair project.

Electromagnets Unit

Cartoon image promoting a science fair, featuring a microscope and lab equipment.

STANDARD V: Students will understand that traits are passed from the parent organisms to their offspring, and that sometimes the offspring may possess variations of these traits that may help or hinder survival in a given environment.

DNA EXTRACTION

Description:

Large amounts of DNA are extracted from wheat germ and an edible DNA model made. Both activities are from the Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah.

DNA Extraction Unit

A colorful model of a DNA double helix stands upright.

NATURAL SELECTION SIMULATION

Description:

Natural selection is explored by student predators 'gobbling up' prey paper chips on a colored habitat environment. Students observe that populations change over time.

Natural Selection Simulation Unit

Portrait of an older man with a long white beard and dark coat.