Core Rigor

5-LS1 From Molecules to Organisms; Structures and Processes is the most compact of the grade 5 NGSS standards, for it essentially serves as a preview of the more complex 5-LS2, Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics. It is based on photosynthesis and how light energy, carbon dioxide and water provide the basic building blocks for all life. Students are challenged to support arguments of how plant matter is generated from air and water (not soil) through models and/or data. Two activities

This comprehensive unit thoroughly explores weathering, erosion and deposition by water, ice, wind, living organisms, gravity, temperature and human activity. Phenomena such as sink holes, caverns, etc. that occur as as result of erosion and deposition are presented. Students are then guided through the Theory of Plate Tectonics and the evidence left on the Earth's Crust with the use of both pictures and map models. The unit culminates with an exploration of topographic maps. Three labs are incl