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. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

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.

Facilitated

Independent

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 Health and Body Systems

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

Properties of and Changes in Matter

In the Properties of and Changes in Matter Unit, students will learn that there are three states of matter and how matter that changes state is still the same matter. Students 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. Students will also start to understand that the properties of materials determine their use and may affect society and the environment.

Forces Acting on Structures

In the Forces Acting on Structures Unit, students will learn how structures throughout our environment have forces that act on and within them. Students will design, build, and text a frame structure that will withstand external force. Students will also start to understand that forces that result from natural phenomena affect natural and built environments.

Conservation of Energy and Resources

In the Conservation of Energy and Resources 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. Students will learn that choices about using energy and resources have both immediate and long-term impacts. Students will design, build, and test a device that transforms one form of energy to another. Students will also evaluate the effects of technologies on energy consumption.

Coding

In the Coding unit, students will identify and describe the impacts of data used in coding on everyday life. Students will also write and execute code that involves variables.

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.

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