Prince William County Public Schools

Kindergarten Science Pacing and Units of Study

Kindergarten students in Prince William County Public Schools learn the Science Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Virginia Department of Education. The 2018 SOL require the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SOL K.1 a-f) to be embedded throughout all units of study. Students will experience the following units in this course:

Quarter 1

Unit 1: My Senses and Physical Properties

This unit focuses on how humans use their senses – sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste – to make observations about the characteristics and interactions of objects in the world. These objects have physical properties (color; shape and form; texture and feel; and size and weight) that can be observed and described. Students learn that body structures (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin/hands) are associated with each sense. Note: In previous years, these concepts were separated into two units.

Standards Covered: K. 5a-b, K.3

Unit 2: Light and Shadows

This unit focuses on developing a foundational understanding of light and shadows. Through a variety of learning experiences and investigations, students observe how light interacts with different objects to produce shadows and draw conclusions about the role of the sun and sunlight in heating objects.

Standards Covered: K. 8a-c

Quarter 2

Unit 3: Earth’s Patterns

In this unit, students will explore patterns in nature, focusing on daily weather, seasonal changes, and day and night. Through hands-on exploration and short-term and long-term observations, students will learn to identify and describe how weather changes daily and how seasons follow a predictable pattern throughout the year. By engaging with these phenomena, students will develop an understanding of the natural rhythms that shape our environment and the behaviors of living things. This unit will foster curiosity and appreciation for the world around them, encouraging students to observe and ask questions about the patterns they see in their everyday lives. Note: As seasonal change requires observation over months, some concepts/skills may not be mastered during this unit's approximately 10 days of core instruction.

Standards Covered: K. 9a-c

Unit 4: Properties and Importance of Water

In this unit, students embark on an exciting exploration of water as they are introduced to the fundamental properties of water and its crucial role in our daily lives. Students will discover the various uses of water, from drinking and cleaning to its presence in nature, and will learn that water can be found in many places, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Students will also learn that water can exist in different phases – such as ice (solid), liquid water (liquid), and water vapor (gas). Additionally, they will observe how water flows downhill, helping them understand its behavior in the environment. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for future learning about water as matter, including its phase changes, role in weather patterns, and its essential function in sustaining life on Earth.

Standards Covered: K.4a-d

Quarter 3

Unit 4: (Continued) Properties and Importance of Water

In this unit, students embark on an exciting exploration of water as they are introduced to the fundamental properties of water and its crucial role in our daily lives. Students will discover the various uses of water, from drinking and cleaning to its presence in nature, and will learn that water can be found in many places, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Students will also learn that water can exist in different phases – such as ice (solid), liquid water (liquid), and water vapor (gas). Additionally, they will observe how water flows downhill, helping them understand its behavior in the environment. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for future learning about water as matter, including its phase changes, role in weather patterns, and its essential function in sustaining life on Earth.

Standards Covered: K.4a-d

Unit 5:  Living and Nonliving Things

In this unit, kindergarten students will explore the fundamental differences between living and nonliving things, learning to classify things based on these characteristics. They will understand that to be classified as a living thing, something must grow, respond to the environment, and reproduce (having offspring). The unit will highlight the basic needs of plants and animals, such as food (or light), water, air, shelter, and space, and how these needs are met in different ways. Students will also learn about the life cycles of plants and animals, recognizing that not all offspring may look or behave similarly to their parents at birth. Through hands-on activities and observations, students will develop a deeper understanding of living systems and the basic needs of living organisms to sustain life. Learning these concepts is crucial as it helps students develop a foundational understanding of living systems and processes that will build in depth and complexity each year. This knowledge also encourages responsible behavior towards living organisms and the environment, promoting sustainability and conservation from an early age.

Standards Covered: K.6a-b, K.7a-c

Quarter 4

Unit 6:  Earth's Resources

In this unit, kindergarten students will explore the concept of natural resources and their importance in our daily lives. Students will learn that the materials and objects they use come from limited natural resources that need to be conserved. As they explore how some materials can be reused and recycled, students will come to understand the impact of their choices on the environment, including air, water, land, and living things. By emphasizing the importance of resource management, the unit aims to instill a sense of responsibility in students to reuse, recycle, and conserve resources, fostering sustainable habits from an early age.

Standards Covered: K.11a-c

Unit 7: Changes Over Time  -  This unit will be released no later than April 8, 2025

Unit 8: Contact Forces: Push and Pull - This unit will be released no later than April 8, 2025

Grade 1 Science Pacing and Units of Study

Grade 1 students in Prince William County Public Schools learn the 2018 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Virginia Department of Education. The 2018 SOL require the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SOL 1.1 a-f) to be embedded throughout all units of study. Students will experience the following units in this course:

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Our Earth and Sun

This unit focuses on the sun as Earth’s source of energy and on the position of the sun throughout the day. Students learn that the sun’s energy provides light and warmth for Earth. This builds on their knowledge from Kindergarten that light influences temperature on Earth’s surfaces. Students also explore the sun's apparent position in the sky throughout the day and the resulting temperature change.

Standards Covered: 1.6a-b

Unit 2: Weather and Seasons

In this unit, students will investigate and understand the dynamic nature of weather and seasonal changes. They will explore how temperature, light, and precipitation vary over time, and how these changes are linked to the seasons. Through hands-on activities and observations, students will learn to identify patterns in daily weather and understand their relationship to seasonal shifts. They will also discover how these weather changes impact plants, animals, and humans, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Students will begin to identify repeating patterns in nature that provide valuable clues to cause-and-effect relationships, enabling students to develop the skills to anticipate weather conditions, laying the foundation for future study and application of concepts in their daily lives. Note: As seasonal change requires observation over months, some concepts/skills may not be mastered during the approximately 12 days of core instruction in this unit.

Standards Covered: 1.7a-c

Quarter 2

Unit 3: Animals

In this unit, students will investigate and continue building a foundational understanding of energy and matter and their crucial roles in the survival of animals, including humans. Students will build upon their Kindergarten learning and further explore the key concept that animals need air, food, water, shelter, and space (habitat) to meet their basic life needs. They will also explore the different physical characteristics of animals (body coverings, appendages, and movements) and classify animals based on these characteristics. Students will begin to make connections between an animal’s habitat and its physical characteristics, setting the stage for future study of adaptations in grade 3. Studying the needs and characteristics of animals fosters a sense of curiosity and respect for living organisms and helps students begin to appreciate the diversity of life and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Standards Covered: 1.5a-c

Unit 4: Plants

In this unit, students will explore the essential role of energy and matter in the survival of plants. Students will build upon their Kindergarten and previous learning this year to investigate how plants meet their basic needs for nutrients, air, water, light, and space, and learn about the specific functions of plant structures. Students will continue to set the stage for future study of adaptations in grade 3 by observing and classifying plants based on their unique characteristics and understanding how these traits help plants thrive in different environments. Studying plants and their needs is crucial as it lays the foundation for broader ecological concepts and the interdependence of living things, while also fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility towards the natural world. This helps students to appreciate the importance of environmental stewardship and the role of plants in sustaining life on Earth.

Standards Covered: 1.4a-c

Quarter 3

Unit 4: Plants (Continued)

In this unit, students will explore the essential role of energy and matter in the survival of plants. Students will build upon their Kindergarten and previous learning this year to investigate how plants meet their basic needs for nutrients, air, water, light, and space, and learn about the specific functions of plant structures. Students will continue to set the stage for future study of adaptations in grade 3 by observing and classifying plants based on their unique characteristics and understanding how these traits help plants thrive in different environments. Studying plants and their needs is crucial as it lays the foundation for broader ecological concepts and the interdependence of living things, while also fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility towards the natural world. This helps students to appreciate the importance of environmental stewardship and the role of plants in sustaining life on Earth.

Standards Covered: 1.4a-c

Unit 5: Natural Resources

In this unit, students will explore Earth’s natural resources and the importance of conserving them. Students will learn that most natural resources are limited and will investigate how human actions impact these resources. Students will build upon their exploration in Kindergarten of the practical conservation strategies of reducing, reusing, and recycling. By the end of the unit, students will recognize the necessity of taking care of Earth’s natural resources now to ensure their availability for future generations. Learning these concepts is crucial because it helps students develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment and their communities and foster habits that contribute to a sustainable future.

Standards Covered: 1.8a-c

Quarter 4

Unit 6:  Physical Properties - This unit will be released no later than March 18, 2025

Unit 7:  Motion  - This unit will be released no later than March 18, 2025

Grade 2 Science Pacing and Units of Study

Grade 2 students in Prince William County Public Schools learn the 2018 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Virginia Department of Education. The 2018 SOL require the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SOL 2.1 a-f) to be embedded throughout all units of study. Students will experience the following units in this course:

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Changes in Weather

This unit focuses on types of weather and weather patterns. Students measure and record current weather data and learn the purpose of tracking weather data over time. Students first observed weather in kindergarten; in grade 1, they learned that the sun is the source of energy on Earth and that precipitation affects people and other living things. In this unit, students make more concrete connections between weather conditions and specific types of precipitation and storms.

Standards Covered: 2.6a-c

Unit 2: Changes in Surroundings

In this unit, students will explore the dynamic relationship between weather patterns, seasonal changes, and their impact on the natural world. They will investigate how weather and seasonal changes impact the growth and behavior of living things, examining phenomena such as hibernation, migration, and dormancy. Students will also learn about the powerful effects of wind and weather on Earth’s surface, understanding how these forces can shape landscapes through processes like weathering and erosion. By distinguishing between rapid changes, such as flooding, and gradual changes, like beach erosion, students will gain an understanding of how our environment transforms constantly. Note: As seasonal change requires observation over months, some concepts/skills may not be mastered during the approximately 13 days of core instruction in this unit.

Standards Covered: 2.7a-c

Quarter 2

Unit 3: The Role of Plants

In this unit, students will explore the vital roles that plants play within ecosystems, focusing on how they meet basic life needs of animals and mitigate weather impacts on land. Students will understand that plants are essential natural resources, and that the availability of plant products influences the development of geographic areas. They will also discover that plants provide oxygen, shelter, and nutrients for other living things. Additionally, students will examine how plants help reduce the effects of wind and water, protecting the environment around them. Understanding the importance of plants is critical for our youngest scientists as it lays the foundation for environmental stewardship and awareness. By recognizing how plants support critical life processes and protect the environment, they develop a sense of responsibility toward conserving natural resources.

Standards Covered: 2.8a-c

Unit 4: Changes in Habitat

In previous grade levels, students focused on differentiating between living and nonliving things. In this unit, students will explore the concept of systems by examining how living organisms interact with both living and nonliving elements in their environment. Students will gain a deeper understanding of interconnectedness within ecosystems, recognizing that these interactions are crucial for meeting the basic life needs of organisms. This fosters an appreciation for habitats' complex and dynamic nature, encouraging students to think critically about the role of each component within a system. Students develop a sense of empathy and stewardship for the natural world and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they consider how changes to the environment – particularly due to human influence – can affect living organisms. This is crucial for young learners as it lays the foundation for environmental awareness and responsibility and helps them begin making informed conservation and sustainability decisions.

Standards Covered: 2.5a-c

Quarter 3

Unit 5: Changes in Living Things

In previous grade levels, students focused on differentiating between living and nonliving things. In this unit, students will explore the concept of systems by examining how living organisms interact with both living and nonliving elements in their environment. Students will gain a deeper understanding of interconnectedness within ecosystems, recognizing that these interactions are crucial for meeting the basic life needs of organisms. This fosters an appreciation for habitats' complex and dynamic nature, encouraging students to think critically about the role of each component within a system. Students develop a sense of empathy and stewardship for the natural world and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they consider how changes to the environment – particularly due to human influence – can affect living organisms. This is crucial for young learners as it lays the foundation for environmental awareness and responsibility and helps them begin making informed conservation and sustainability decisions.

Standards Covered: 2.4a-b

Unit 6:  Changes in Matter

In previous grade levels, students learned about basic physical properties, including the properties of water in its solid and liquid forms as an introduction to the phases of matter. Building on their prior knowledge, students will delve deeper into the characteristics of the three main types of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Students will investigate how matter has mass and occupies space, and how heating and cooling can cause matter to change from one phase to another. Through hands-on experiments and observations, students will see firsthand how temperature affects the state of matter, enhancing their understanding of real-world phenomena they experience on a daily basis. This unit provides critical foundational knowledge that will be utilized in the grades 3 and 5 units on matter.

Standards Covered: 2.3a-c

Quarter 4

Unit 7: Changes Caused by Forces - This unit will be released no later than April 8, 2025

Grade 3 Science Pacing and Units of Study

Grade 3 students in Prince William County Public Schools learn the 2018 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Virginia Department of Education. The 2018 SOL require the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SOL 3.1 a-f) to be embedded throughout all units of study. Students will experience the following units in this course:

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Interactions with Water

This unit builds on students’ previous study of matter and prepares them for further study in grade 5 by investigating how various substances interact with water. Students learn that water dissolves more substances than any other liquid and that there are some solids that water cannot dissolve. They conclude that substances that dissolve in water form a solution, and while the dissolved substance cannot be seen, it is still present.

Standards Covered:3.3a-b

Unit 2: Earth’s Water

In this unit, students build on their previous study of Earth’s water by embarking on an investigative journey to uncover the vital significance of water. Students are introduced to the premise that water is essential to Earth's processes and that all living things need water to survive. They will delve into the intricate processes that make up the water cycle, a model that illustrates how water is conserved within environments and helps them to understand its profound impact on Earth’s ecosystems.

Standards Covered: 3.7a-c

Quarter 2

Unit 3: Interactions in Ecosystems

In this unit, students explore ecosystems in-depth, highlighting the diversity of both living and nonliving components. Students investigate various aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, understanding how these environments support a wide variety of organisms. Students learn about the relationships among organisms and how they interact to meet their life needs, delving into the flow of energy within ecosystems as they use basic food chains to explain how ecosystems achieve balance. By the end of the unit, students will be able to identify and explain relationships within ecosystems and how a change in one relationship or organism may affect the rest of the ecosystem. This unit lays the foundation for further exploration of ecosystems in grade 4 and continues to develop students’ environmental literacy and stewardship.

Standards Covered: 3.5a-b

Unit 4: Adaptations

In this unit, students build on their previous study of plants and animals to investigate how populations may change gradually over thousands to millions of years in response to environmental changes. These physical and behavioral changes, known as adaptations, enable organisms to meet their life needs and respond to these environmental changes. Students will also learn how fossils can provide crucial evidence about ancient organisms and their environments, supporting theories of how plants and animals have adapted. This unit reinforces for students that growth and change are essential for survival, helping students to continue developing an understanding of the long-term processes that shape the natural world. By learning about the gradual nature of most of these physical and behavioral changes, students gain a sense of the vast timescales involved in natural processes, which can enhance their appreciation for the complexity and resilience of life on Earth.

Standards Covered:3.4a-c

Quarter 3

Unit 4: Adaptations (Continued)

In this unit, students build on their previous study of plants and animals to investigate how populations may change gradually over thousands to millions of years in response to environmental changes. These physical and behavioral changes, known as adaptations, enable organisms to meet their life needs and respond to these environmental changes. Students will also learn how fossils can provide crucial evidence about ancient organisms and their environments, supporting theories of how plants and animals have adapted. This unit reinforces for students that growth and change are essential for survival, helping students to continue developing an understanding of the long-term processes that shape the natural world. By learning about the gradual nature of most of these physical and behavioral changes, students gain a sense of the vast timescales involved in natural processes, which can enhance their appreciation for the complexity and resilience of life on Earth.

Standards Covered:3.4a-c

Unit 5: Interactions with Soil

In this unit, students will explore the fascinating underground world of soil, often misunderstood to be mere ‘dirt.’ Students will learn that soil is, in fact, a complex mixture of organic (living) and inorganic (nonliving) materials, which collectively play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through hands-on investigations, students will discover how soil supports plant growth by providing essential nutrients and stability. Students will also understand the critical role soil plays in the survival of other organisms, including humans, who rely on it for resources and/or habitats. By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of the vital role soil plays in sustaining life and balance in Earth’s
ecosystems and prepare them to consider ways in which they can conserve this important resource in Unit 6: Interactions That Impact Ecosystems.

Standards Covered: 3.6a-c

Quarter 4

Unit 6: Interactions that Impact Ecosystems

In this unit, students build upon their understanding of the interdependence of organisms within their living and nonliving surroundings. Students come to understand how human behaviors and natural events can negatively impact organisms and their habitats. Through investigations and research, students will learn that humans affect the quality of air, water, and habitats and both human influence and natural events impact the conservation of water and soil. By the end of the unit, students will have developed an appreciation of the power of the choices that they can make to develop strong conservation practices to mitigate the effects of human activity and natural events on the environment.

Standards Covered: 3.8a-d

Unit 7: Interactions and Forces - This unit will be released no later than April 8, 2025

Grade 4 Science Pacing and Units of Study

Grade 4 students in Prince William County Public Schools learn the 2018 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Virginia Department of Education. The 2018 SOL require the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SOL 4.1 a-f) to be embedded throughout all units of study. Students will experience the following units in this course:

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Solar System

This unit is foundational to the grade 4 year, which focuses on the theme “Our Place in the Solar System.” Our solar system is a vast place, and in this unit, students learn where Earth fits within it. Students investigate the solar system as a set of interrelated and interdependent elements connected through the flow of matter and energy. Students conclude that the characteristics of these elements, such as the planets, are determined by their composition, primarily due to their location within the solar system.

Standards Covered: 4.5a-c

Assessment Window: 09/16 - 09/20/24

Unit 2: Earth-Moon-Sun Relationships

This unit builds upon the study of the solar system from the previous unit in which students were introduced to our sun and the eight planets that revolve around it. The relationship of the Earth, moon, and sun in the solar system and to each other leads to the understanding of seasons, tides, and phases of the moon. This unit focuses on an understanding of the relationships in the Earth, moon, and sun system. By the end of the unit, students understand the motions of this system, the results of our unique position in it, and how movements in the system affect important aspects of our daily lives.

Standards Covered: 4.6a-d

Assessment Window: 10/21 - 10/25/24

Quarter 2

Unit 3: Weather

In this unit, students will explore the intricate relationship between weather conditions and ecosystems, emphasizing how weather phenomena can be predicted, and the resulting impacts on the environment. Through hands-on exploration and data collection, students will learn how weather measurements such as temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and cloudiness create valuable records for making accurate weather predictions. They will investigate how both common and extreme weather events, like thunderstorms and hurricanes, can significantly affect ecosystems, altering habitats and influencing the survival of species. Additionally, students will examine long-term weather trends to understand how these patterns determine the climate of a region, shaping local ecosystems. Students will conclude this unit of study appreciating the importance of tracking weather conditions to predict weather events and understand their potential impacts on the natural world.

Standards Covered: 4.4a-c

Assessment Window: 12/02 - 12/06/24

Unit 4: Living Systems and Processes

In this unit, students will explore the diverse processes and structures that enable plants and animals to carry out essential life functions such as obtaining energy and reproducing. Building on knowledge from grades K-3, students will delve deeper into interrelationships between how the sun’s energy supports all life on Earth through the processes of photosynthesis and how animals obtain energy from other organisms (including plants). Students will also investigate the unique structures and behaviors that distinguish plants from animals and understand the critical role these structures play in survival and reproduction. Through active investigation and exploration, students will understand how these processes and structures are vital for the continuity of life, laying the foundation for further exploration of the flow of energy through ecosystems via food webs in Unit 5: Ecosystems. Additionally, students will develop a deeper respect for the natural world and the delicate balance within ecosystems and contextual the importance of Earth’s position in our solar system and its relationship with the sun (as studied in units 1 and 2).

Standards Covered: 4.2a-c

Assessment Window: 02/03 - 02/07/25

Quarter 3

Unit 4: Living Systems and Processes (continued)

In this unit, students will explore the diverse processes and structures that enable plants and animals to carry out essential life functions such as obtaining energy and reproducing. Building on knowledge from grades K-3, students will delve deeper into interrelationships between how the sun’s energy supports all life on Earth through the processes of photosynthesis and how animals obtain energy from other organisms (including plants). Students will also investigate the unique structures and behaviors that distinguish plants from animals and understand the critical role these structures play in survival and reproduction. Through active investigation and exploration, students will understand how these processes and structures are vital for the continuity of life, laying the foundation for further exploration of the flow of energy through ecosystems via food webs in Unit 5: Ecosystems. Additionally, students will develop a deeper respect for the natural world and the delicate balance within ecosystems and contextual the importance of Earth’s position in our solar system and its relationship with the sun (as studied in units 1 and 2).

Standards Covered: 4.2a-c

Assessment Window: 02/03 - 02/07/25

Unit 5: Ecosystems

In this unit, students explore the intricate dynamics of ecosystems, focusing on how living and nonliving components interact to facilitate the transfer of matter and energy. Building on their prior knowledge of food chains, students will investigate food webs to comprehend the flow of energy and the interrelationships within populations, communities, and ecosystems. Students will explore the concept of niches for the first time as they develop an understanding of how each organism's specific role supports life processes within the ecosystem. They will also examine how scientists classify organisms to understand their relationships and roles and explore how classification and identification go together. Through
active investigation and exploration, students will understand and appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of ecosystems as they try to maintain the delicate balance of their natural systems and biodiversity. By the end of the unit, students will begin to develop a sense of responsibility toward conserving ecosystems and making informed decisions that support environmental sustainability, which will continue to be explored in Unit 7: Virginia’s Natural Resources.

Standards Covered: 4.3a-d

Assessment Window: 03/03 - 03/07/25

Unit 6: Ocean Environment

In this unit, fourth-grade students will explore the dynamic and vast ocean system that covers most of Earth's surface. They will investigate the unique geological characteristics of the ocean floor, including its various features and formations. Students will also learn about the physical properties and movements of ocean water, such as currents, waves, and tides, and how these elements contribute to the ocean's dynamic nature. Finally, students will explore the diverse interactions among organisms within the ocean, highlighting the complex ecosystems that thrive in this environment. By the end of the unit, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of conserving and protecting this essential natural resource that supports a diverse number of organisms and plays a vital role in Earth’s climate, weather patterns, and overall health.

Standards Covered: 4.7a-c

Assessment Window: 04/07 - 04/11/25

Quarter 4

Unit 6: Ocean Environment (cont'd)

In this unit, fourth-grade students will explore the dynamic and vast ocean system that covers most of Earth's surface. They will investigate the unique geological characteristics of the ocean floor, including its various features and formations. Students will also learn about the physical properties and movements of ocean water, such as currents, waves, and tides, and how these elements contribute to the ocean's dynamic nature. Finally, students will explore the diverse interactions among organisms within the ocean, highlighting the complex ecosystems that thrive in this environment. By the end of the unit, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of conserving and protecting this essential natural resource that supports a diverse number of organisms and plays a vital role in Earth’s climate, weather patterns, and overall health.

Standards Covered: 4.7a-c

Assessment Window: 04/07 - 04/11/25

Unit 7: Virginia's Natural Resources

In this unit, fourth-grade students will explore the diverse natural resources of Virginia, gaining an understanding of their significance both to their ecosystems and to humans. These resources include: watersheds and water; plants and animals; minerals, rocks, and ores; and forests, soil, and land. As they explore Virginia’s many resources, students will focus particularly on Virginia’s watersheds, investigating and identifying the real-world implications of the concept that “we all live downstream.” By the end of the unit, students continue to deepen their appreciation for the importance of conserving and protecting natural resources that support Virginia’s diverse ecosystems.

Standards Covered: 4.8a-d

Assessment Window: 05/12 - 05/16/25

Grade 5 Science Pacing and Units of Study

Grade 5 students in Prince William County Public Schools learn the 2018 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) set by the Virginia Department of Education. The 2018 SOL require the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SOL 5.1 a-f) to be embedded throughout all units of study. Students will experience the following units in this course:

Quarter 1

Unit 1: Energy

This unit is foundational to the grade 5 year, which focuses on the theme “Transforming Energy and Matter.” In this unit, students are introduced to the concept that energy cannot be created or destroyed and explore four types of energy: thermal (heat), radiant (light), mechanical (motion and sound), and electrical (including magnetic fields). Students investigate the idea that energy occurs in different forms, is transferred from place to place by moving objects, and can change from one form to another through transformation.

Standards Covered: 5.2a-d

Assessment Window: 09/09 - 09/13/24

Unit 2: Matter

This unit is foundational to the grade 5 year, which focuses on the theme “Transforming Energy and Matter.” There are numerous types of matter in the world, and we know all matter is made of atoms. In this unit, students will come to understand that matter consists of atoms that have different properties, and these properties determine the interactions that can occur between different atoms. Therefore, different substances with different properties are suited for different uses. Matter can change due to heating, cooling, and mixing, resulting in matter maintaining or losing some of its original characteristics to become classified as mixtures and/or solutions.

Standards Covered: 5.7a-c

Assessment Window: 09/30 - 10/04/24

Unit 3 – Motion

This unit continues students’ study of forms of energy, how they transfer, and how they transform. In this unit, students will explore the dynamic world of moving objects, starting with the concept that moving objects possess kinetic energy (the energy of motion). They will learn that motion is characterized by both the direction and speed of an object, and how changes in motion are influenced by the net force acting on an object and its mass. Students will investigate the effect of collisions, the role of friction, and its importance to everyday life. These fundamental principles of motion, known as Newton’s Laws, will serve as a foundation for further exploration and learning in middle and high school.

Standards Covered: 5.3a-e

Assessment Window: 10/28 - 11/01/24

Quarter 2

Unit 4: Energy and Earth’s Processes

This unit focuses on Earth's dynamic and ever-changing nature, driven by its internal thermal energy. This energy propels the movement of tectonic plates, which causes significant geological activities such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of various landforms, including trenches, mid-ocean ridges, and mountain ranges. The unit also investigates the rock cycle, demonstrating how rocks transform into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms, and how Earth’s surface constantly changes through the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition. Finally, students explore the importance of patterns in rock formations and fossils as evidence of these continuous geologic changes.

Standards Covered: 5.8a-e

Assessment Window: 12/09 - 12/13/24

Unit 5: Electricity

This unit focuses on how energy can move from one location to another through electrical circuits and be transformed into various forms of energy. Students will investigate the properties of different materials to develop an understanding that electricity flows easily through conductors but not insulators and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. Students will learn about the necessity of closed circuits to allow electricity to flow and investigate how static electricity can be generated by rubbing certain materials together. The grade 5 theme of transforming matter and energy continues as students identify how electrical energy can be transformed into radiant, mechanical, and thermal energy, and how a current flowing through a wire can create a magnetic field. Students will focus on applying these phenomena to the real world and deepen their understanding of electricity's vital role in daily life.

Standards Covered: 5.4a-e

Assessment Window: 01/27 - 01/31/25

Quarter 3

Unit 5: Electricity (continued)

This unit focuses on how energy can move from one location to another through electrical circuits and be transformed into various forms of energy. Students will investigate the properties of different materials to develop an understanding that electricity flows easily through conductors but not insulators and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. Students will learn about the necessity of closed circuits to allow electricity to flow and investigate how static electricity can be generated by rubbing certain materials together. The grade 5 theme of transforming matter and energy continues as students identify how electrical energy can be transformed into radiant, mechanical, and thermal energy, and how a current flowing through a wire can create a magnetic field. Students will focus on applying these phenomena to the real world and deepen their understanding of electricity's vital role in daily life.

Standards Covered: 5.4a-e

Assessment Window: 01/27 - 01/31/25

Unit 6: Sound

This unit focuses on the fascinating world of sound as mechanical energy and how it is transmitted and utilized. Building on their prior knowledge and exploration of energy and matter, students will further explore how sound is produced by vibrations. Students will also explore and identify the relationship between the frequency of vibrations, the form of matter sound waves are transmitted through, and pitch. Through hands-on experiments and real-world application, students will discover the diverse uses of sound waves in everyday life and use the engineering design process to apply their new learning. By the end of the unit, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how sound is generated and transmitted, which supports students’ understanding of the vital role sound plays in communication, technology, and nature.

Standards Covered: 5.5a-d

Assessment Window: 02/24 - 02/28/25

Unit 7: Light

This unit focuses on the complexities of visible light, a form of radiant energy. Students will investigate the characteristics of light, understanding that it moves in transverse waves and is part of the visible spectrum, which includes light with different wavelengths. Through hands-on experiments and real-world applications, students will build on prior knowledge of how light interacts with different materials (SOL 1.3c) and learn how matter influences the path of light. Students will also identify the many ways in which radiant energy can be transformed into thermal, mechanical, and electrical energy. By the end of the unit, students will have a deeper understanding of how light behaves and interacts with different materials, enhancing their overall understanding of real-world phenomena they observe daily, such as why we see colors and how sunlight can be converted into electricity.

Standards Covered: 5.6a-d

Assessment Window: 03/24 - 03/28/25

Quarter 4

Unit 8: Energy &  Matter as Resources

This unit focuses on how energy and matter are used by humans as resources and the impact human actions and the development of new technology have on them. In this unit, students will explore the concept of renewable and nonrenewable resources, understanding the critical differences between them. Students will learn that most of the energy used in the United States comes from nonrenewable sources and will
consider what this means for the future. By the end of the unit, students will have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for energy conservation and its role in maintaining a sustainable future.

Standards Covered: 5.a-c

Assessment Window: 04/28 - 05/02/25