FIFTH GRADE
Living Classroom lessons that fifth grade teachers can schedule for their classes this year:
FALL
ENERGY TO GO
Students develop a model to demonstrate the flow of energy and nutrients through a community. Students learn that the energy found in animals and their food was once energy from the sun and that living things depend on energy and nutrients for their survival.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:
NGSS: 5-PS3-1; 5-LS2-1
TWIG Science: Yellowstone: Uncovered
DATES OFFERED: 10/29/24-12/20/24
LESSON LENGTH: 60-75 Minutes
PARENT VOLUNTEERS: 2
WINTER
WATER WORLD
In this lesson, students learn how water moves among plants, animals, and the environment and how precious fresh water is as a resource for living things on Earth. They also explore Earth’s systems and even build their own mini ecosystems!
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:
NGSS: 5-LS2-1; 5-ESS2-1; 5-ESS2-2; 5-ESS3-1
TWIG Science: H20 Response Team
DATES OFFERED: 1/7/25-3/21/25
LESSON LENGTH: 60-75 Minutes
PARENT VOLUNTEERS: 2
SPRING
COLONIAL USES OF PLANTS
Students learn how the American Colonists used plants to make clothes and dyes. They learn about flax, the plant used to make linen, and how fruits, vegetables and herbs can be used to make different color dyes. Students try their hand at making and painting with natural dyes.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:
State History & Social Science Standards: 5.3.2; 5.4.5; 5.5.1
DATES OFFERED: 3/25/25-5/30/25
LESSON LENGTH: 60 Minutes
PARENT VOLUNTEERS: 2
FIFTH GRADE RESOURCES
ENERGY TO GO LESSON LESSON RESOURCES
ENERGY FLOW & NUTRIENT CYCLING
Click here to learn how energy flows and nutrients cycle through ecosystems.
LIVING SUNLIGHT READ ALOUD
Click the book cover above to enjoy a read aloud about photosynthesis.
WATER WORLD LESSON RESOURCES
WHY SAVE WATER?...A GUIDE FOR KIDS
Watch this informative video on how to conserve water and help wildlife at home!
MINI ECOSYSTEMS
WATER WORLD LESSON
In 5th grade, students study the distribution and movement of water around our planet. They also get a chance to build a mini ecosystem using a recycled tennis ball tube container. The sand and soil inside the tube represent the geosphere, the grass represents the biosphere, the water represents the hydrosphere, and the air represents the atmosphere. Students have fun watching earth's systems interact and seeing water cycle through this closed system.
Help conserve water at home with our AT HOME WATER CONSERVATION ACTION ITEM CHECKLIST.
COLONIAL USES OF PLANTS LESSON RESOURCES
MAKING NATURAL DYES
Learn how to dye cloth using natural resources. Click here for a guide on how to create your own plant dyes.
ADDITIONAL NATURE-BASED ACTIVITIES
SAVING SEEDS FROM HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
Learn how to save seeds from heirloom tomatoes and grow your favorite tomatoes year after year!
ZERO WASTE HEROES!
Learn how to create a zero waste lunch and live more sustainably!
LIVING CLASSROOM'S ART IN NATURE SERIES
NATURE CREATURES
Go for a nature walk and collect natural materials to make fun nature creatures. You can even make your own self-portrait! Collect each part of a plant: root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed.
SPELLING WITH NATURE
Collect natural materials on a nature walk to make words with. You will need to collect each part of a plant: root, stem, leaf, seed, flower, and fruit.
QUIET LEAF TRACING
Find three leaves to creatively trace and color. Use this activity as an opportunity to relax and meditate.
Flying Foxes at the Lubee Bat Conservancy
Jellyfish at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Mississippi River Flyway Cam
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