Grade 5 Science and Technology

In Grade 5 Science and Technology, our students further their understanding of scientific principles. They will investigate the marvel of the human body and its organs and how forces affect structures and mechanisms. In addition, they will discover how matter can change and be changed, and the effect these changes can have on the environment, especially in regards to the creation of energy.

Curriculum Information: Science and Technology (2022)

Developed by: D2L

Development Date: 2021 (Revised 2022)

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

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Independent

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Note: The new Science and Technology curriculum includes a coding component. As we develop these resources, there will be a placeholder for this unit at the end of the course. However, as the coding content requires the knowledge and skills learned in the other units, students will complete the current content first, and will be prepared when the coding content is implemented.

Course Outline

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.

Human Organ Systems

In this unit, students will learn how organ systems are components of a larger system (the body) and, as such, work together and affect one another. They will learn that organ structures are linked to their functions and that systems in the human body work together to meet our basic needs. They will also start to understand that the choices we make affect our organ systems and, in turn, our overall health.

Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms

In this unit, students will learn how structures and mechanisms throughout our environment have forces that act on and within them. They will learn that we can measure forces in order to determine how they affect structures and mechanisms and use this information to guide the design of new structures and mechanisms. They will also start to understand that forces that result from natural phenomena have an effect on society and the environment.

Properties of and Changes in Matter

In this unit, students will learn that there are three states of matter and how matter that changes state is still the same matter. They will learn that physical change refers to the fact that a substance can be changed from one form to another and that chemical change implies the formation of a new substance. They will also start to understand that the properties of materials determine their use and may have an effect on society and the environment.

Conservations of Energy and Resources

In this unit, students will learn that energy sources are either renewable or non-renewable and that although energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it can be transformed. They will learn that choices about using energy and resources have both immediate and long-term impacts. They will also start to understand that conservation (reducing our use of energy and resources) is one way to reduce the impacts of energy and resource use.

Coding

In the Coding Unit, students will use coding in investigations and to model concepts. Students will assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life and in STEM-related fields.

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

  • A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
  • A device to record audio
  • A printer
  • A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
  • Scissors, stapler, ruler, glue, baking soda, salt, dish soap, food colouring, vinegar, cardboard, a plastic bottle
  • Centimetre grid paper
  • Various household items to complete offline activities

Through a balance of investigations, inquiry-based lessons, and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of scientific processes, knowledge, and skills to apply in real-world contexts. Students will learn and start to use the scientific inquiry process, scientific research, and appropriate lab skills. In addition to this, the exploration of key STEM topics is integrated throughout the learning. The course engages multiple learning styles by utilizing a combination of technology and offline activities that provide opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, videos, graphics, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. The activities also build a foundation of scientific models and strategies that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a learning coach to support young students moving through the content. The learning coach will be involved in facilitating technical aspects of the course (e.g. printing and scanning printable activities) and in participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

Have a question about Grade 5 Science and Technology? Contact us!