- Demonstrate safe practices during field and laboratory investigations
(5.2) Students uses scientific methods during field and laboratory investigations
- (a) plan and implement descriptive and simple experimental investigations including asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting and using equipment and technology
- (b) collect information by observing and measuring
- (c) analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct and indirect evidence
- (d) communicate valid conclusions
- (e) construct simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts using tools (including computers) to organize examine, and evaluate information
(3.3, 4.3, 5.3) Student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to makes informed decisions
- (a) analyze, review, [and critique] scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information
- (b) draw inferences based on information [related to promotional materials] for products and services
- (c) represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations
5.4 Student knows how to uses a variety of tools and methods to conduct scientific inquiry
- (a) collect and analyze information using tools
Objective 3 – student will demonstrate an understanding of the physical sciences
(4.6) Student knows that change can create recognizable patterns
- (a) identify patterns of change such as in weather and objects in the sky
(4.7) Conduct tests, compare data, and draw conclusions about physical properties of matter including states of matter, conduction, density, and buoyancy
Objective 4 – student will demonstrate an understanding of the earth sciences
(5.6) Student knows that some change occurs in cycles
- (b) identify the significance of the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles
(3.11) Students knows that the natural world includes objects in the sky
- (a) identify and describe the importance of gases in the atmosphere in the local area, and classify them as renewable, nonrenewable, or inexhaustible
(3.6) Student knows that forces cause change
- (b) identify that the surface of the Earth can be changed by forces such as glaciers
(5.5) Student knows that a system is a collection of cycles, structures, and processes that interact
- (a) describe some cycles, structures, and processes that are found in a simple system
- (b) describe some interactions that occur in a simple system
(4.6) Student knows that change can create recognizable patterns
- (a) identify patterns of change such as in weather and objects in the sky
Teks revisions
TEKS has been revised for the 2010-2011 year. Everything listed above is included in the new TEKS. The following below are either new objectives that have been added, or that have become more detailed. Those new objectives that will also be covered in this new curriculum are listed below:
(5.3) The study of elementary science includes planning and safely implementing classroom and outdoor investigations using scientific processes, including inquiry methods, analyzing information, making informed decisions, and using tools to collect and record information, while addressing the major concepts and vocabulary, in the context of physical, earth, and life sciences. Districts are encouraged to facilitate classroom and outdoor investigations for at least 50% of instructional time.
(5.4) In Grade 5, investigations are used to learn about the natural world. Students should understand that certain types of questions can be answered by investigations and that methods, models, and conclusions built from these investigations change as new observations are made. Models of objects and events are tools for understanding the natural world and can show how systems work. They have limitations and based on new discoveries are constantly being modified to more closely reflect the natural world.
(5.3) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. The student is expected to:
- (a) in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;
- (b) evaluate the accuracy of the information related to promotional materials for products and services such as nutritional labels;
- (c) draw or develop a model that represents how something works or looks that cannot be seen such as how a soda dispensing machine works; and
- (d) connect grade-level appropriate science concepts with the history of science, science careers, and contributions of scientists.
(5.7) Earth and space. The student knows Earth's surface is constantly changing and consists of useful resources. The student is expected to:
- (c) identify alternative energy resources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels
