Grade 5

5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers and the environment.
              Science and Engineering Practices: Developing and Using Models
              Disciplinary Core Ideas: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; Cycles of Matter and

                                                  Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

              Crosscutting Concepts: Systems and System Models

What could we do?

Students can build a representative model of the cycling of matter only if they are familiar with the local ecosystem and its components. Students can be taken to a local ecosystem (aquatic, woodland, prairie) to observe the species living there. They should look for producers, consumers, decomposers and abiotic resources. Are there patterns to the arrangement of these components? Are all of these components present in this habitat? How do they know? What could they do to find out? Visit an urban area, too, if possible. How is the cycling of matter similar and different in comparison to more naturally developed areas?

Where could we go?

Illinois state parks, city parks, national wildlife refuges, forest preserve district sites, nature centers, conservation district sites, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites and other locations

5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the earth’s resources and environment.
              Science and Engineering Practices: Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information
              Disciplinary Core Ideas: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
              Crosscutting Concepts: Systems and System Models

What could we do?

Visit a local community or natural area to see how and what people are doing to protect local resources by incorporating science-based methodology.  Try to obtain a speaker from the community or natural area to discuss the work with the students. If possible, visit more than one community or natural area to compare techniques.

Where could we go?

local communities, Illinois state parks, city parks, national wildlife refuges, forest preserve district sites, nature centers, conservation district sites, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites and other locations