United Kingdom Year 5 Science Course Entries

Properties and Changes of Materials

This unit explores the characteristics of various materials and how they change under different conditions. Students learn to classify materials based on properties like hardness, transparency, conductivity (electrical and thermal), and magnetism. They investigate how materials change when heated, cooled, or mixed, including concepts like dissolving, solutions, and mixtures. Experiments and activities help students understand the particle model of matter and how it explains solubility and the separation of mixtures. Resources for this unit include lesson plans, worksheets, videos, and interactive activities.

Earth and Space

This unit takes students on a journey through the solar system and beyond. They learn about the movement of Earth, the Moon, and other planets relative to the Sun. Topics covered include the sizes and shapes of celestial bodies, the eight planets in our solar system (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), dwarf planets like Pluto, and the concept of orbits. The unit also explores human exploration of space and encourages students to develop their understanding of the universe. Resources include lesson plans, activities, videos, and interactive simulations.

Forces

This unit introduces students to the concept of forces as pushes and pulls that affect how objects move and change shape. Students learn about different types of forces, including gravity, air resistance, water resistance, and friction. They explore balanced and unbalanced forces and how they influence motion. Practical activities and investigations help students understand how forces impact everyday life. Resources include lesson plans, worksheets, interactive simulations, and videos.

Living Things and Their Habitats

This unit explores the diversity of life on Earth and how organisms interact with their environments. Students learn about different habitats and how they provide the necessities of life for plants and animals. A key focus is on life cycles, including those of mammals, amphibians, insects, and birds. Students investigate how living things adapt to their surroundings and the importance of maintaining balanced ecosystems. Resources include lesson plans, activities, videos, and outdoor exploration opportunities.

Animals, Including Humans

This unit focuses on the life cycle of animals, with a specific emphasis on humans. Students learn about the stages of human development from embryo to old age, including gestation, puberty, and the aging process. They compare human gestation periods to those of other mammals and explore the changes that occur throughout the human lifespan. The unit also covers reproduction in animals and the different life cycles of various species. Resources include diagrams, timelines, interactive activities, and videos.