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Science · Grade 5

Measurement, Models and Fair Tests

Fifth graders build the toolkit for the rest of the year. They measure volume by water displacement and convert between metric units, examine what physical models, diagrams and computer simulations can and cannot show, and plan fair tests with controlled variables. A sampling simulation shows why bigger samples and repeated trials give more trustworthy results.

  • 3 lessons
  • About 100 minutes
  • Measurement, models and fair tests check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, type a number, place on a number line and sort into groups
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What learners will discover

  • Measure length, mass and volume in metric units, including volume by water displacement, and convert between units such as mL and L or g and kg.
  • Explain what a model (physical model, diagram or computer simulation) can and cannot show.
  • Plan fair tests with controlled variables and enough trials or samples, and explain why larger samples give more reliable results.

Lessons

  1. Measure carefully, convert confidently 6 steps4 practiceabout 32 min
  2. What models can and cannot show 5 steps3 practiceabout 30 min
  3. Fair tests and sample size 8 steps3 practiceabout 38 min
  4. Measurement, models and fair tests check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Marble MountainLay straights, curves, drops and splitters to roll marbles down the mountain.
  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.

More 5th grade science

Guide for grown-ups