Fifth Grade Programs

Essential Questions: What are the steps in the water cycle? How does the water cycle affect us? What is a watershed? What is a topographical map? How do topographical maps inform us about watersheds? What is pollution and how does it move throughout the watershed?

Description: “What are the three S’s of a wetland?” On this field trip 5th Graders will explore the three main functions of a wetland ecosystem and how those functions directly impact their drinking water, personal safety, and outdoor recreation. After discovering the roles of nitrogen and phosphorus in a wetland ecosystem, students will participate in a high energy game to reinforce the role of aquatic plants in a wetland habitat.

Standards:

ES. 4.3: Create a presentation that demonstrates the process of the water cycle on both local and global scales. Illustrate the process of water cycling both from the solid earth to the atmosphere and around the solid earth. Examine the interaction of groundwater, surface water, and ocean circulation. Illustrate the effects of human activity on water systems.

4.ESS.4: Develop solutions that could be implemented to reduce the impact of humans on the natural environment and the natural environment on humans.

4-ESS2-2: Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features.

Essential Questions: What are two types of plankton? How are plankton part of the food web? 

Description: In this station, students will explore the microscopic creatures who dwell in our beloved lake ecosystems through microscope work and documenting their observations. After learning the difference between zooplankton and phytoplankton, students will test their new knowledge by identifying samples under their microscopes!

Standards:

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

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

Essential Questions: What is the difference between erosion and weathering? What happens when the geosphere and hydrosphere interact?

Description: What’s a hydrologist? In this lesson students dive into the definition of a geological force before discovering through a hands-on experiment the difference between erosion and weathering. The exploring continues as students further differentiate between chemical and mechanical weathering in a “sweet” way.

Standards:

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

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

Essential Questions: How are lakes formed? How do the geological forces impact the lakes and topography in an area? 

Description: The love for lakes doesn’t stop as students learn about the different types of lake formation and influence of geological forces on our local lakes and streams by using our Augmented Reality Sand Tables and watching the landscape shift! Students will see for themselves examples of landscape change and use critical thinking to apply solutions to minimize negative effects of erosion and weathering on our local waterways.

Standards:

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

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