This is a bundle of PBL science units for 5th grade. These project-based learning (science-focused) research-based units are the perfect way to teach reading, writing, research skills, and science in one engaging, real-world unit. Your students will use key standards, such as research, reading comprehension, and engineering design in a real-life scenario. The best part about PBL is that student choice and differentiation are built in!
5th Grade Driving Questions:
- How can I construct a model that teaches my classmates about the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment?
- How can I communicate information on patterns in Earth’s systems with people in the community?
- How can I design an experiment to prove to others that the total weight of matter is conserved even when it changes forms?
- How can we create an interactive exhibit showcasing the interaction of Earth’s Systems for a science exhibit?
Banish those boring worksheets and get your students excited about real-life learning! These projects cover the following skills:
- Research
- Reading Comprehension
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Writing
- Design & Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Engineering Design Process
- Data Displays
Included in this Resource:
- Lesson Outline
- Sample Pacing
- Teacher Guide with Lesson Plans
- Scaffolded Research Notes
- Engineering Design Process Overview
- Rubric & Sample Answers
Plus, a BONUS digital version is included as well!
NGSS Standards Covered:
- NGSS.5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
- 5-ESS1-2: Represent data in graphical displays (bar graphs, pictographs and/or pie charts) to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
- 5-PS1-2: Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that regardless of the type of change that occurs when heating, cooling, or mixing substances, the total weight of matter is conserved.
- 5-ESS2-1: Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.