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  • Texas Standards
  • Science: 5th Grade

Texas - Science: 5th Grade

Essential Knowledge and Skills | Adopted: 2017

This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.

2: : Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific practices during laboratory and outdoor investigations.


2.A: : The student is expected to: describe, plan, and implement simple experimental investigations testing one variable;

Screenshot of Effect of Environment on New Life Form

Effect of Environment on New Life Form

Using the scientific method, control the environmental conditions for a fictional alien organism in order to learn how the organism responds to changes in conditions. Sunlight, water, and temperature can be varied to determine their effects on the shape of the aliens. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Pendulum Clock

Pendulum Clock

Find the effect of length, mass, and angle on the period of a pendulum. The pendulum is attached to a clock that can be adjusted to tell time accurately. The clock can be located on Earth or Jupiter to determine the effect of gravity. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

2.B: : The student is expected to: ask well defined questions, formulate testable hypotheses, and select and use appropriate equipment and technology;

Screenshot of Pendulum Clock

Pendulum Clock

Find the effect of length, mass, and angle on the period of a pendulum. The pendulum is attached to a clock that can be adjusted to tell time accurately. The clock can be located on Earth or Jupiter to determine the effect of gravity. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

2.C: : The student is expected to: collect and record information using detailed observations and accurate measuring;

Screenshot of Measuring Volume

Measuring Volume

Measure the volume of liquids and solids using beakers, graduated cylinders, overflow cups, and rulers. Water can be poured from one container to another and objects can be added to containers. A pipette can be used to transfer small amounts of water, and a magnifier can be used to observe the meniscus in a graduated cylinder. Test your volume-measurement skills in the "Practice" mode of the Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

2.D: : The student is expected to: analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct (observable) and indirect (inferred) evidence;

Screenshot of Comparing Climates (Customary)

Comparing Climates (Customary)

Compare average temperatures, precipitation, humidity, and wind speed for a variety of locations across the globe. Explore the influence of latitude, proximity to oceans, elevation, and other factors on climate. Observe how animals and plants are adapted to climate and their environment. This lesson uses U.S. customary units. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Programmable Rover

Programmable Rover

In this introduction to coding, program a rover to explore the surface of Mars. Start by using tiles to create simple programs involving moving forward or backward, turns, jumps, loops, and picking up rock samples. Then use text instructions to optimize your code. Use your skills to program the rover to complete six challenging missions on Mars. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

2.G: : The student is expected to: construct appropriate simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts using technology, including computers, to organize, examine, and evaluate information.

Screenshot of Building Topographic Maps

Building Topographic Maps

Build a topographic map by flooding a three dimensional landscape with water and drawing contour lines. Draw a profile of a landscape based on the topographic map. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Weather Maps

Weather Maps

Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be recorded at two different weather stations on a map. Describe weather patterns characteristic of high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, warm fronts, and cold fronts. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Weather Maps - Metric

Weather Maps - Metric

Learn about standard symbols used in meteorology to construct weather maps. Rain, sleet, snow, temperature, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure can all be recorded at two different weather stations on a map. Describe weather patterns characteristic of high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, warm fronts, and cold fronts. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

3: : Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions.


3.B: : The student is expected to: draw or develop a model that represents how something that cannot be seen such as the Sun, Earth, and Moon system and formation of sedimentary rock works or looks; and

Screenshot of Eclipse

Eclipse

Observe solar and lunar eclipses as the Moon orbits Earth. The full and partial shadows of the Moon and Earth can be displayed, and the Moon can also be dragged around Earth. See what the Moon and Sun look like from Earth during partial and total eclipses. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

4: : Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.


4.A: : The student is expected to: collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, prisms, mirrors, balances, spring scales, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices; and materials to support observations of habitats or organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.

Screenshot of Measuring Volume

Measuring Volume

Measure the volume of liquids and solids using beakers, graduated cylinders, overflow cups, and rulers. Water can be poured from one container to another and objects can be added to containers. A pipette can be used to transfer small amounts of water, and a magnifier can be used to observe the meniscus in a graduated cylinder. Test your volume-measurement skills in the "Practice" mode of the Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Weight and Mass

Weight and Mass

Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

5: : Matter and energy. The student knows that matter has measurable physical properties and those properties determine how matter is classified, changed, and used.


5.A: : The student is expected to: classify matter based on measurable, testable, and observable physical properties, including mass, magnetism, physical state (solid, liquid, and gas), relative density (sinking and floating using water as a reference point), solubility in water, and the ability to conduct or insulate thermal energy or electric energy;

Screenshot of Circuit Builder

Circuit Builder

Create circuits using batteries, light bulbs, switches, fuses, and a variety of materials. Examine series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators, and the effects of battery voltage. Thousands of different circuits can be built with this Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Density

Density

Measure the mass and volume of a variety of objects, then place them into a beaker of liquid to see if they float or sink. Learn to predict whether objects will float or sink in water based on their mass and volume. Compare how objects float or sink in a variety of liquids, including gasoline, oil, seawater, and corn syrup. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Density Experiment: Slice and Dice

Density Experiment: Slice and Dice

Drop a chunk of material in a beaker of water and observe whether it sinks or floats. Cut the chunk into smaller pieces of any size, and observe what happens as they are dropped in the beaker. The mass and volume of each chunk can be measured to gain a clear understanding of density and buoyancy. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Mineral Identification

Mineral Identification

Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Phases of Water

Phases of Water

Heat or cool a container of water and observe the phase changes that take place. Use a magnifying glass to observe water molecules as a solid, liquid, or gas. Compare the volumes of the three phases of water. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Weight and Mass

Weight and Mass

Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6: : Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy occurs in many forms and can be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems.


6.A: : The student is expected to: explore the uses of energy, including mechanical, light, thermal, electrical, and sound energy;

Screenshot of Energy Conversions

Energy Conversions

Where does energy come from? How does energy get from one place to another? Find out how electrical current is generated and how living things get energy to move and grow. Trace the path of energy and see how energy is converted from one form to another. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

6.C: : The student is expected to: demonstrate that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object and is reflected or travels through one medium to another and is refracted; and

Screenshot of Basic Prism

Basic Prism

Shine white light or a single-color beam through a prism. Explore how a prism refracts light and investigate the factors that affect the amount of refraction. The index of refraction of the prism, width of the prism, prism angle, light angle, and light wavelength can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

7: : Earth and space. The student knows Earth's surface is constantly changing and consists of useful resources.


7.A: : The student is expected to: explore the processes that led to the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels; and

Screenshot of Carbon Cycle

Carbon Cycle

Follow the path of a carbon atom through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Manipulate a simplified model to see how human activities and other factors affect the amount of atmospheric carbon today and in the future. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Rock Cycle

Rock Cycle

Play the role of a piece of rock moving through the rock cycle. Select a starting location and follow many possible paths throughout the cycle. Learn how rocks are formed, weathered, eroded, and reformed as they move from Earth's surface to locations deep within the crust. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

7.B: : The student is expected to: recognize how landforms such as deltas, canyons, and sand dunes are the result of changes to Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice.

Screenshot of River Erosion

River Erosion

Explore how river erosion affects landscapes in the short term and over long periods of time. Describe the features of mountain streams and meandering rivers, and use a floating barrel to estimate current speed. Witness the changes that occur as mountain streams erode downward and meandering rivers erode from side to side. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Weathering

Weathering

Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. Students will learn about the different types of mechanical and chemical weathering, then use a simulation to model the effects of weathering on different types of rocks in varying climate conditions. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

8: : Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among the Sun, Earth, and Moon system.


8.A: : The student is expected to: differentiate between weather and climate;

Screenshot of Comparing Climates (Customary)

Comparing Climates (Customary)

Compare average temperatures, precipitation, humidity, and wind speed for a variety of locations across the globe. Explore the influence of latitude, proximity to oceans, elevation, and other factors on climate. Observe how animals and plants are adapted to climate and their environment. This lesson uses U.S. customary units. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

8.C: : The student is expected to: demonstrate that Earth rotates on its axis once approximately every 24 hours causing the day/night cycle and the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky; and

Screenshot of Comparing Earth and Venus

Comparing Earth and Venus

Observe the motions of Venus and Earth as the planets move around the Sun. Measure the length of a day and a year on Earth and Venus, and compare the length of a solar day to the length of a sidereal day. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun

Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun

Observe the motions of the Earth, Moon and Sun in three dimensions to explain Sunrise and Sunset, and to see how we define a day, a month, and a year. Compare times of Sunrise and Sunset for different dates and locations. Relate shadows to the position of the Sun in the sky, and relate shadows to compass directions. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

8.D: : The student is expected to: identify and compare the physical characteristics of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Screenshot of Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon

Understand the phases of the Moon by observing the positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun. A view of the Moon from Earth is shown on the right as the Moon orbits Earth. Learn the names of Moon phases and in what order they occur. Click Play to watch the Moon go around, or click Pause and drag the Moon yourself. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

9: : Organisms and environments. The student knows that there are relationships, systems, and cycles within environments.


9.A: : The student is expected to: observe the way organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with the living and nonliving components;

Screenshot of Pond Ecosystem

Pond Ecosystem

Measure the temperature and oxygen content of a pond over the course of a day. Then go fishing to see what types of fish live in the pond. Many different ponds can be investigated to determine the influence of time, temperature, and farms on oxygen levels. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo

9.B: : The student is expected to: describe the flow of energy within a food web, including the roles of the Sun, producers, consumers, and decomposers;

Screenshot of Forest Ecosystem

Forest Ecosystem

Observe and manipulate the populations of four creatures (trees, deer, bears, and mushrooms) in a forest. Investigate the feeding relationships (food web) in the forest. Determine which creatures are producers, consumers, and decomposers. Pictographs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
Launch Gizmo
Screenshot of Ecosystems - Elementary School

Ecosystems - Elementary School

As a national park ranger, students must restore the ecosystem of a park back to normal. They interact with populations of many organisms including wolves, deer and bees. Students learn the importance of food chains and webs, and how human factors can impact the health of an environment. Video Preview


Lesson Info
STEM Cases

10: : Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms have structures and behaviors that help them survive within their environments.


10.B: : The student is expected to: differentiate between inherited traits of plants and animals such as spines on a cactus or shape of a beak and learned behaviors such as an animal learning tricks or a child riding a bicycle.

Screenshot of Inheritance

Inheritance

Create aliens with different traits and breed them to produce offspring. Determine which traits are passed down from parents to offspring and which traits are acquired. Offspring can be stored for future experiments or released. 5 Minute Preview


Lesson Info
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Correlation last revised: 9/16/2020

About STEM Cases

Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.

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Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
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STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.

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Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.

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Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.

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Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.

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© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

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© 2025 ExploreLearning. All rights reserved. Gizmo and Gizmos are registered trademarks of ExploreLearning. STEM Cases, Handbooks and the associated Realtime Reporting System are protected by US Patent No. 10,410,534

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