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- Science: Grade Five: Interdependence of Systems
Mississippi - Science: Grade Five: Interdependence of Systems
College- and Career-Readiness Standards | Adopted: 2018
L.5: : Life Science
DCI.L.5.3: : Ecology and Interdependence
1.1.1: : All organisms need energy to live and grow. Energy is obtained from the sun. Cells transform the energy that organisms need to perform essential life functions through a complex sequence of reactions in which chemical energy is transferred from one system of interacting molecules to another.
L.5.3A: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of photosynthesis and the transfer of energy from the sun into chemical energy necessary for plant growth and survival.
L.5.3A.1: : Research and communicate the basic process of photosynthesis that is used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy that can be stored and released to fuel an organism’s activities.

Plants and Snails
Study the production and use of gases by plants and animals. Measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a test tube containing snails and elodea (a type of plant) in both light and dark conditions. Learn about the interdependence of plants and animals. 5 Minute Preview

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
1.1.2: : A major role an organism serves in an ecosystem can be described by the way in which it obtains its energy. Energy is transferred within an ecosystem by producers, consumers, or decomposers. A healthy ecosystem is one in which a diverse population of life forms can meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life.
L.5.3B: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of a healthy ecosystem with a stable web of life and the roles of living things within a food chain and/or food web, including producers, primary and secondary consumers, and decomposers.
L.5.3B.1: : Obtain and evaluate scientific information regarding the characteristics of different ecosystems and the organisms they support (e.g., salt and fresh water, deserts, grasslands, forests, rain forests, or polar tundra lands).

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

Prairie Ecosystem
Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview
L.5.3B.2: : Develop and use a food chain model to classify organisms as producers, consumers, or decomposers. Trace the energy flow to explain how each group of organisms obtains energy.

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

Prairie Ecosystem
Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview

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
L.5.3B.3: : Design and interpret models of food webs to justify what effects the removal or the addition of a species (i.e., introduced or invasive) would have on a specific population and/or the ecosystem as a whole.

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

Prairie Ecosystem
Observe the populations of grass, prairie dogs, ferrets and foxes in a prairie ecosystem. Investigate feeding relationships and determine the food chain. Bar graphs and line graphs show changes in populations over time. 5 Minute Preview

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
P.5: : Physical Science
DCI.P.5.5: : Organization of Matter and Chemical Interactions
2.1.1: : Matter can be segregated into tiny particles that are too small to see, but can be detected by other methods. These tiny particles are referred to as atoms, which can be combined to form molecules. Substances exhibit specific properties that can be observed and measured.
P.5.5A: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties of matter.
P.5.5A.1: : Obtain and evaluate scientific information to describe basic physical properties of atoms and molecules.

Element Builder
Use protons, neutrons, and electrons to build elements. As the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons changes, information such as the name and symbol of the element, the Z, N, and A numbers, the electron dot diagram, and the group and period from the periodic table are shown. Each element is classified as a metal, metalloid, or nonmetal, and its state at room temperature is also given. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.5A.2: : Collect, analyze, and interpret data from measurements of the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases (e.g., volume, shape, movement, and spacing of particles.

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

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

Properties of Matter - Elementary School
The Secret Service has arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from the year 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and evidence. Students learn about the properties of matter to recreate the methods used to make the coins as evidence for the trial. Video Preview
P.5.5A.3: : Analyze matter through observations and measurements to classify materials (e.g., powders, metals, minerals, or liquids) based on their properties (e.g., color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, solubility, or density).

Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter. 5 Minute Preview

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

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

Density Laboratory
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe flotation, the relationship between mass, volume, density, and flotation can be investigated. The density of the liquid in the beaker can be adjusted, and a variety of objects can be studied during the investigation. 5 Minute Preview

Magnetism
Drag bar magnets and a variety of other objects onto a piece of paper. Click Play to release the objects to see if they are attracted together, repelled apart, or unaffected. You can also sprinkle iron filings over the magnets and other objects to view the magnetic field lines that are produced. 5 Minute Preview

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

Mystery Powder Analysis
Perform multiple experiments using several common powders such as corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and gelatin. The results of the research on the known powders can then be used to analyze several unknowns using the scientific method. The unknowns can be a single powder or a combination of the known powders. 5 Minute Preview

Solubility and Temperature
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of water to create a solution, observe that the chemical dissolves in the water at first, and then measure the concentration of the solution at the saturation point. Either potassium nitrate or sodium chloride can be added to the water, and the temperature of the water can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview

Properties of Matter - Elementary School
The Secret Service has arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from the year 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and evidence. Students learn about the properties of matter to recreate the methods used to make the coins as evidence for the trial. Video Preview

Water Contamination - Elementary School
There has been an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in a small town. This disease is caused by legionella bacteria that proliferate in contaminated water supplies. Students take on the role of a civil engineer to investigate how the water treatment plant has failed to get rid of all the contaminants in the water and design a new method. Video Preview
P.5.5A.4: : Make and test predictions about how the density of an object affects whether the object sinks or floats when placed in a liquid.

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

Density Laboratory
With a scale to measure mass, a graduated cylinder to measure volume, and a large beaker of liquid to observe flotation, the relationship between mass, volume, density, and flotation can be investigated. The density of the liquid in the beaker can be adjusted, and a variety of objects can be studied during the investigation. 5 Minute Preview
2.1.2: : Substances of the same type can be classified by their similar, observable properties. Substances can be combined in a variety of ways. A mixture is formed when two or more kinds of matter are physically combined. Solutions are a special type of mixture in which one substance is distributed evenly into another substance. When the physical properties of the components in a mixture are not changed, they can be separated in different physical ways.
P.5.5B: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of mixtures and solutions.
P.5.5B.1: : Obtain and evaluate scientific information to describe what happens to the properties of substances in mixtures and solutions.

Properties of Matter - Elementary School
The Secret Service has arrested suspects accused of counterfeiting coins from the year 1915 valued at $50,000 each. The students act as a forensic scientist to investigate the crime scene and evidence. Students learn about the properties of matter to recreate the methods used to make the coins as evidence for the trial. Video Preview
P.5.5B.2: : Analyze and interpret data to communicate that the concentration of a solution is determined by the relative amount of solute versus solvent in various mixtures.

Solubility and Temperature
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of water to create a solution, observe that the chemical dissolves in the water at first, and then measure the concentration of the solution at the saturation point. Either potassium nitrate or sodium chloride can be added to the water, and the temperature of the water can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.5B.3: : Investigate how different variables (e.g., temperature change, stirring, particle size, or surface area) affect the rate at which a solute will dissolve.

Solubility and Temperature
Add varying amounts of a chemical to a beaker of water to create a solution, observe that the chemical dissolves in the water at first, and then measure the concentration of the solution at the saturation point. Either potassium nitrate or sodium chloride can be added to the water, and the temperature of the water can be adjusted. 5 Minute Preview
2.1.3: : Physical properties can be observed and measured without changing the composition of matter. A physical change occurs when the matter’s physical appearance is altered while leaving the composition of the matter unchanged. When two or more substances are mixed together, a new substance with different properties can sometimes be formed, but the total amount (i.e., mass) of the substances is conserved (i.e., total mass stays the same). In a chemical change, the composition of the original matter is altered to create a new substance. A different compound is present at the completion of the chemical change.
P.5.5C: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the difference between physical and chemical changes.
P.5.5C.1: : Analyze and communicate the results of chemical changes that result in the formation of new materials (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, or cooking).

Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.5C.2: : Analyze and communicate the results of physical changes to a substance that results in a reversible change (e.g., changes in states of matter with the addition or removal of energy, changes in size or shape, or combining/separating mixtures or solutions).

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
P.5.5C.3: : Analyze and interpret data to support claims that when two substances are mixed, the total weight of matter is conserved.

Chemical Changes
Chemical changes result in the formation of new substances. But how can you tell if a chemical change has occurred? Explore this question by observing and measuring a variety of chemical reactions. Along the way you will learn about chemical equations, acids and bases, exothermic and endothermic reactions, and conservation of matter. 5 Minute Preview
DCI.P.5.6: : Motions, Forces, and Energy
2.2.1: : Gravity is a force that draws objects to Earth. This force acting on an object near Earth's surface pulls that object toward the planet's center. The motion of an object can be described in terms of its position, direction, and speed. Multiple factors determine the rate and motion of an object. Other than Earth, any celestial objects will exert varying gravitational pulls on other objects according to their mass and density.
P.5.6: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect the motion of an object through a study of Newton's Laws of Motion.
P.5.6.1: : Obtain and communicate information describing gravity's effect on an object.

Free Fall Tower
Recreate Galileo's famous experiment by dropping objects off the Tower of Pisa. You can drop ping pong balls, golf balls, soccer balls or watermelons. Objects can be dropped in air or no air, with or without a parachute. The speed of each object is shown on a speedometer and a graph. 5 Minute Preview

Gravity Pitch
Imagine a gigantic pitcher standing on Earth, ready to hurl a huge baseball. What will happen as the ball is thrown harder and harder? Find out with the Gravity Pitch Gizmo. Observe the path of the ball when it is thrown at different velocities. Throw the ball on different planets to see how each planet's gravity affects the ball. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.6.2: : Predict the future motion of various objects based on past observation and measurement of position, direction, and speed.

Force and Fan Carts
Explore the laws of motion using a simple fan cart. Use the buttons to select the speed of the fan and the surface, and press Play to begin. You can drag up to three objects onto the fan cart. The speed of the cart is displayed with a speedometer and recorded in a table and a graph. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.6.3: : Develop and use models to explain how the amount or type of force, both contact and non-contact, affects the motion of an object.

Force and Fan Carts
Explore the laws of motion using a simple fan cart. Use the buttons to select the speed of the fan and the surface, and press Play to begin. You can drag up to three objects onto the fan cart. The speed of the cart is displayed with a speedometer and recorded in a table and a graph. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.6.4: : Plan and conduct scientific investigations to test the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the speed and/or direction of objects in motion.

Force and Fan Carts
Explore the laws of motion using a simple fan cart. Use the buttons to select the speed of the fan and the surface, and press Play to begin. You can drag up to three objects onto the fan cart. The speed of the cart is displayed with a speedometer and recorded in a table and a graph. 5 Minute Preview
P.5.6.6: : Design a system to increase the effects of friction on the motion of an object (e.g., non-slip surfaces or vehicle braking systems or flaps on aircraft wings). Use an engineering design process to define the problem, design, construct, evaluate, and improve the system.

Force and Fan Carts
Explore the laws of motion using a simple fan cart. Use the buttons to select the speed of the fan and the surface, and press Play to begin. You can drag up to three objects onto the fan cart. The speed of the cart is displayed with a speedometer and recorded in a table and a graph. 5 Minute Preview
E.5: : Earth and Space Science
DCI.E.5.8: : Earth and the Universe
3.1.1: : Astronomy is the study of celestial objects in our solar system and beyond. A solar system includes one or more suns (stars) and all other objects orbiting in that system. Planets in our night sky change positions and are not always visible from Earth as they orbit our sun. Stars that can be seen in the night sky lie beyond our solar system and appear in patterns called constellations. Constellations can be used for navigation and appear to move together across the sky because of Earth’s rotation and revolution around the sun.
E.5.8A: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the locations of objects in the universe.
E.5.8A.1: : Develop and use scaled models of Earth’s solar system to demonstrate the size, composition (i.e., rock or gas), location, and order of the planets as they orbit the Sun.

Solar System
Explore our solar system and learn the characteristics of each planet. Compare the sizes of planets and their distances from the Sun. Observe the speeds of planetary orbits and measure how long each planet takes to go around the Sun. 5 Minute Preview
3.1.2: : Earth orbits around the sun as the moon orbits around Earth. The revolution and rotation of Earth on a tilted axis provide evidence of patterns that can be observed, studied, and predicted.
E.5.8B: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles that govern moon phases, day and night, appearance of objects in the sky, and seasonal changes.
E.5.8B.2: : Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to analyze the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, solar and lunar eclipses, and seasons.

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

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

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
E.5.8B.3: : Develop and use models to explain the factors (e.g., tilt, revolution, and angle of sunlight) that result in Earth’s seasonal changes.

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

Summer and Winter
Observe the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle that sunlight strikes Earth on June 21 and December 21. Compare day lengths, temperatures, and the angle of the Sun's rays for any latitude. The tilt of the Earth's axis can be varied to see how this would affect seasons. 5 Minute Preview
DCI.E.5.10: : Earth’s Resources
3.2.1: : Human activities can impact natural processes and availability of resources. To reduce impacts on the environment (including humans), various best practices can be used. New and improved conservation practices are constantly being developed and tested.
E.5.10: : Students will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of human interaction with Earth and how Earth’s natural resources can be protected and conserved.
E.5.10.1: : Collect and organize scientific ideas that individuals and communities can use to conserve Earth’s natural resources and systems (e.g., implementing watershed management practices to conserve water resources, utilizing no-till farming to improve soil fertility, reducing emissions to abate air pollution, or recycling to reduce landfill waste).

Water Pollution
Get to know the four main types of pollution present in the environment, and then look at a variety of real-world examples as you try to guess what type of pollution is represented by each situation. All of the real-world situations can be viewed every day in different parts of the world. 5 Minute Preview

Fruit Production - Elementary School
As an agricultural scientist, students help a strawberry farmer who is having problems with low fruit production. Students learn about the factors involved in fruit production including plant nutrients, pollination and bees, and the interaction with the environment. Video Preview
E.5.10.2: : Design a process for better preparing communities to withstand manmade or natural disasters (e.g., removing oil from water or soil, systems that reduce the impact of floods, structures that resist hurricane forces). Use an engineering design process to define the problem, design, construct, evaluate, and improve the disaster plan.

Earthquake-Proof Homes
Design a house to withstand an earthquake and protect the people living inside. Select a location in San Francisco, then choose the design and materials for a foundation, frame, walls, and roof. Decide which extras to add to your home design. Test each house in an earthquake and assess the damages. Try to arrive at a house design that results in the least damage. 5 Minute Preview

Flood and Storm-Proof Homes
Build a home to survive a flood or a hurricane and protect the people inside. Choose materials and a design for the foundation, frame, walls, and roof of the house. Add "extras" such as sand bags, storm shutters, and roof clips. Test your house in a flood or storm and see how well your design worked. 5 Minute Preview
Correlation last revised: 5/19/2025
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.

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.

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

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

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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