California fifth-graders follow a standards-based science curriculum.
Even before the 2001 passage of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, California had put into place a set of science standards for all grade levels, from kindergarten through grade 12. These standards were created in response to declining test scores on the National Assessment of Education Progress, according to Christine Bertrand of the California Science Teacher's Association. California's science standards, adopted in 1998, require students in each grade, including fifth grade, to meet specific learning goals.
Physical Sciences
Fifth-grade standards in physical science focus on understanding how elements and compounds make up matter in its varying forms. Students learn about atoms and molecules, and study the properties of liquids, gases and solids. Students also examine the properties of metals, salts and other groups. Children learn that all living things are made up of just a few elements. In addition, students also gain exposure to instruments that show how atoms and molecules are arranged.
Life Sciences
In fifth grade, life science standards revolve around bodily structures. Students learn that both animals and plants have systems for respiration, excretion, digestion and transport or circulation. Students study the exchange process for oxygen and carbon dioxide; they also examine how blood moves through the body. Children study the steps in the digestive system and the role various body parts and organs play in it. Students also examine the transport system of plants and the process of photosynthesis.
Earth Sciences
Earth science standards in fifth grade are divided into three components. The first deals with water. Students learn the differences between fresh and salt water and the locations of each. They study the evaporation cycle. The second section of the earth science-related standards relates to weather. Students study weather cycles and the role that oceans and tides play. Students examine the causes and effects of different types of weather patterns and also learn read weather maps. Finally, students study the solar system, learning that the sun is a star around which the other planets revolve. Students also examine lesser bodies such as asteroids and moons.
Investigation and Experimentation
The standards note that "scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations." Students, therefore, develop a theory and test it by creating an experiment. They identify the dependent and independent variables in the experiment. Students make observations using the appropriate tools, record the data and then make inferences and draw conclusions based on the information collected.
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