Resources by Standard

Curriculum Calendar 

CABAP Resources

Teaching Strategies & Other Resources

Essential Agreement

Harcourt Web Resources

STAR Assessment Blueprint

CST Released 
Test Questions

Return to the 
Science Portal

Fifth grade students will learn about chemical reactions and discover the special properties of metallic elements; distinguish between atoms, molecules, chemical compounds, mixtures, and learn about the organization of atoms on the periodic table of elements.  Then, they can be shown how particular chemical reactions like photosynthesis and respiration drive the physiological processes of living cells.  They will build on previous knowledge with fundamental principles of physiology.  In animals and humans, they will learn about blood circulation and respiration, digestion and excretion.  In plants, they will study movement of water and minerals from plant roots to leaves and the transport of sugar generated during photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant. 

In Earth science, they will study the hydrologic cycle (water cycle) and how it influences the distribution of weather-related precipitation and the consequences, types and rates of erosion.  They will leave the planet (not literally) to learn about what makes up the solar system, the composition of the Sun, and the relationship between gravity and planetary orbits.

Science Content Standards The Science Content Standards and English–Language Arts Content Standards are complementary so that the writing strategies will lay a foundation for good writing on science reports and informative oral science presentations. The Science Content Standards and the Mathematics Content Standards also reinforce each other as students analyze, strategize, and solve problems, finding solutions to apply to new circumstances.

Finally, students will learn to plan their own investigations, select appropriate tools and make quantitative observations.

Questions?  ericbitter@cusd.com 

© Clovis Unified School District - All Rights Reserved