Objectives - Pingry School



Welcome to 5th Grade Science!

One of the great things about Pingry is that the students at the lower school are given the opportunity to come to science so often. This simple fact reflects a deeper attitude within the school that science is an important aspect of every child’s education. With that being said, my hope is to develop a love for science within each of my students. Regardless of what a student’s “favorite” subject may be, I hope that by the end of the year the children will begin to understand that what they learn in the science classroom here at Pingry relates to everyday aspects of their life.

Science is the exploration of the universe for the purpose of seeking orderly, testable explanations of objects and events. The Pingry School elementary science program offers a balance of hands-on experiences and advanced science content. Each year students study topics in three major areas: life science, earth science, and physical science. The processes of observation, investigation, collection of relevant data, discussion and confirmation of findings are emphasized throughout the program.

The year begins with a unit on chemistry. Physical and chemical properties of matter are discussed as well as the basic structure of an atom. Students learn how to read and use the Periodic Table of Elements. The basics of ionic and covalent bonding are covered as students build up and then break down compounds. The unit is ended with a review of what makes a chemical reaction exothermic or endothermic. The highlight of the unit is the ability to complete an Element Poster Project in mid-October.

In the life sciences, students immediately follow their chemistry unit with one covering the human body. The unit covers several different organ systems and the ways in which they interact. Each system is explored beginning at the cellular level and expanding to include the functioning of the entire human body. The interdependence of all parts of the body is stressed, as is the importance of the relationship between anatomy and physiology. Important cellular processes first covered in Fourth Grade are reinforced as new concepts such as cellular respiration and gas exchange are introduced. Respiration, blood flow through the heart, bones and muscles are just a few of the interesting areas that your son or daughter will become experts at!

In the spring, the Fifth Grade focuses on earth science with a unit on the atmosphere and weather. Students learn about the composition and layers of the earth’s atmosphere, the water cycle, and the flow of energy from one part of the biosphere to another. Students learn about basic meteorology, and how to read a weather map, and what kinds of tools scientists use to measure and predict the weather. Students also learn the names of basic types of clouds and how they form. The year ends with a comprehensive look at various types of precipitation.

Contact Information

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Email is my preferred method of contact.

email: dszelingowski@

Phone: (973) 379-4550 ext. 1443

Class Objectives

The goals of 5th grade science are for each student to:

1. Learn to love, appreciate, and have fun in Science class

2. Develop Important Study Skills

-note taking

-highlighting

-completing their homework on time every night

-using an agenda to organize their assignments

3. Develop Important Life & Social Skills

-working in a group

-being attentive in class

-following directions closely

Class Time

5th graders come to science class four times a week for 40 minutes. On the fifth day, they will have a study skills class with Dr. P & Mrs. Alford. During the week, there will be a balance between note taking, group work, and class activities.

Homework

Students will be given homework on most nights and it is due the following time they come to class unless otherwise noted. In the 5th grade, the emphasis is on developing responsibility, good work habits, and beginning to get accustomed to a daily routine of completing homework. The homework is meant to supplement the material covered in class and is not always meant to be a quick and easy review. Often times, the homework requires some critical thinking from the students. I do not expect the students to get their homework 100% correct every night. However, I do expect students to put 100% effort into completing their assignments. I ask that they put thought into every assignment and come to class or conference period with good, thoughtful questions if they do not understand a topic. Turning in a blank assignment and saying, “I didn’t get it” is not an acceptable excuse for missing an assignment. If they are having trouble with an assignment I encourage them to come see me before school or to email me so that I can help them the next day. I should be their first reference when they need a “lifeline” on a homework question.

Class Website

The 5th grade science website can be found at (). On the website you can find your child’s weekly homework assignments and other weekly announcements. Encourage your child to use the website as another aid to help them stay organized and to be sure they have completed all their homework assignments. I will try to have the entire week’s homework assignments updated by Monday night each week.

Late Slips

If students come to class unprepared, they will fill out a late homework slip. They fill out the late slip themselves in order for them to take personal responsibility for their own work. The same format for late slips is used in all classes in the 5th grade. Late slips are then to be signed by a parent so that you are aware of your child’s missing assignments.

Detention

If a student has 3 or more late slips in science in one marking period they will be required to serve an early morning detention. Detentions begin at 7:30 am and are served in the classroom of the teacher who has assigned the detention. This is a 5th grade policy, as well as a science policy. In the early stages of the year, the student will spend this time organizing their binder and homework folder with me in an effort to prevent future missed assignments. As the year continues, the time will be used by the student as a chance to make up the work that they have missed. The first two weeks of school have been considered a “grace period.” Late assignments will start counting towards a detention starting in October, as is the same in all other 5th grade classes.

Grades

Grades are earned based on the following:

-performance on tests, quizzes and any other graded assignments (projects, etc)

-ability to consistently complete homework on time

-quality of work and effort put into homework assignments

-participation in class and ability to work in a group

Conference Period

The last 45 minutes of every school day are designated as Conference Period for all 5th grade students and teachers. During this time, students are encouraged to go see their teachers for extra help on topics or assignments which they find confusing or difficult. In the 5th grade, we try to help the students take a more proactive approach to their schoolwork and encourage them to seek out help, rather than wait for their teacher to approach them. If a student does not need to meet with any teachers during this time, they are given the opportunity to begin their homework in their homerooms.

Final Exam

In the 5th Grade, students are given final exams in each of their academic subjects at the end of the school year. My exam will cover each of the 3 units that we have covered throughout the year. It will cover each topic equally and there will be a thorough, comprehensive review period in class prior to the exam. We will spend the last two weeks of school reviewing and preparing for the exam together in class. It is a great opportunity for students to begin to develop the skills needed for preparing for a larger test. As I frequently tell my students, it is not something to stress about if they are completing the necessary organizational steps that the 5th grade teachers are preaching about everyday.

I look forward to having a wonderful year and getting to know your child.

Sincerely,

Mr. Szelingowski a.k.a. “Mr. Ski”

5th Grade Science Topics

Chemistry

⇨ Matter

⇨ Parts of an Atom (Atomic Structure)

⇨ Elements, Molecules, & Compounds

⇨ Atomic Number

⇨ Atomic Mass Number

⇨ Formation of Ions & Isotopes

⇨ Periodic Table & Trends

⇨ Metals, Nonmetals, & Metalloids

⇨ Physical & Chemical Properties

⇨ Chemical Bonds (Ionic & Covalent)

⇨ Chemical Formulas

⇨ Chemical Reaction (Products & Reactants)

⇨ Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

⇨ Law of Conservation of Matter

⇨ Law of Conservation of Mass

⇨ Chemical Equations

⇨ Density

Human Body

⇨ Levels of Organization

⇨ Anatomy & Physiology

⇨ Functions of Organ Systems

⇨ Respiratory System

▪ Gas Exchange & Diffusion

▪ Path of Air

⇨ Circulatory System

▪ Arteries, Veins, & Capillaries

▪ The Heart (chambers & supply lines)

▪ Blood & Blood Flow

⇨ Skeletal System

▪ Bones, Joints, & Connective Tissues

⇨ Muscular System

▪ Voluntary vs. Involuntary

▪ Types of Muscle Tissue

▪ Muscles

⇨ Nervous System

▪ Parts of the Nervous System

▪ How Signals Travel

▪ Stimuli & Responses (motor & sensory neurons)

▪ Parts of a Neuron

▪ 5 Senses

⇨ Digestive System

▪ Mechanical & Chemical Digestion

▪ Path of Food

▪ Villi

Earth’s Atmosphere

⇨ Function of Earth’s Atmosphere

⇨ Layers of the Atmosphere

⇨ Relationship between Air Pressure, Density, & Altitude

⇨ Water Cycle (Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation)

⇨ Ozone Layer

⇨ Greenhouse Effect

⇨ Air Pollution

⇨ Weather & Wind

⇨ Clouds

⇨ Types of Precipitation

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