Decide which variable should be changed and measured for a fair test…
Decide which variable should be changed and measured for a fair test, and evaluate whether investigations were fair tests.
The BC Science K–9 (redesigned curriculum) outcome (Curricular competencies) for Grade 5 says: “Decide which variable should be changed and measured for a fair test, and evaluate whether investigations were fair tests.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: BC Science K–9 (redesigned curriculum).
Build It, Launch It Grades K–5
Egg drops, paper planes and balloon rockets, done properly at home. Three engineering challenges where kids build, test, fix and explain the pushes and pulls behind what happened.
- Can you drop an egg without breaking it? 60 min
Kids design an egg protector on a materials budget, test it from a low height first and work up, and fix what fails. They finish able to explain why a soft, slow stop saves the egg.
- What makes a paper plane fly farthest? 45 min
Kids fold two different paper planes and run a fair test, changing one thing at a time: first the design, then the throw. They measure three throws each and explain the flight using lift, drag, thrust and gravity.
- How does a rocket push itself into space? 45 min
Kids build a balloon rocket that zooms along a string between two chairs, then run a fair test on how much air goes in the balloon. They finish able to explain action and reaction: the balloon pushes air back, and the air pushes the balloon forward.
Printable practice for this outcome
- Build It, Launch It workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 1 word wall, 1 reading, 1 English-support page, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Evidence Lab workbook included with the unit
2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 English-support page, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- How Your Body Works workbook included with the unit
1 English-support page, 1 practice page, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Keep It Cool: Ice, Insulation and Staying Comfortable workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 1 English-support page, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Winter Science: Ice, Snow and Staying Warm workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 2 English-support pages, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Think Like a Scientist: The Scientific Method workbook included with the unit
4 English-support pages, 4 practice pages, 4 readings, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Test the Claim: Science Facts, Myths and AI Answers workbook included with the unit
3 English-support pages, 3 practice pages, 3 readings, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Steppe Science: Staying Warm on the Kazakh Steppe workbook included with the unit
1 practice page, with answer keys.
- Monsoon Science: Rain, Sun and the Nón Lá workbook included with the unit
1 practice page, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
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Compared with NGSS: 3-5-ETS1-3.
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