Subject Specific Expectations

Grade 5 – Science

In this grade, PYP Science related topics take place within the organizing themes of Who we are, How the world works and Sharing the planet.  The children will encounter traditional Scientific fields of knowledge in a way which transcends the disciplines in order to increase significance of learning for children of all cultures.

Where possible, opportunity is given for practical investigations which allow children to be actively involved in the themes they are working with.

Skills which the children will develop will include:

• Identifying an appropriate approach to answering a scientific questions

• Selecting from a variety of sources of information

• Identifying key factors to be considered when applying a fair test and controlling them effectively

• Making prediction based on their scientific knowledge and understanding

• Selecting equipment and apparatus suitable for investigating a question or task

• Making accurate observations, measurements or comparisons

• Beginning to repeat observations and measurements and understanding why differences may occur

• Drawing conclusions consistent with evidence

• Making practical suggestions as to how methods could be improved

• Using appropriate scientific language to describe and present results and conclusions

Science based PYP topics include:

Circle of life – The human life cycle and animals life cycles

                        Similarities and difference between the life cycles

                        Changes associated with puberty in humans

                        Cells, organs and systems

Energy -         Sources and uses of energy

                        Different kinds of energy including renewable and non-renewable

                        How energy can be changed from one source to another

                        The impact of energy use on the environment

Biomes, Ecosystems and Habitats –Characteristics of biomes and ecosystems

                                                           Different ecosystems and biomes in the world

                                                           The interaction and adaptation of plants and animals within an ecosystem