Learners will construct effective simple and compound machines…
Learners will construct effective simple and compound machines, exploring motion and the forces causing motion and testing how effective a machine is and how to improve it (an adjacent-grade match: the build, test and improve cycle).
The Nova Scotia Science curriculum outcome (Physical Science: Simple and compound machines) for Grade 5 says: “Learners will construct effective simple and compound machines, exploring motion and the forces causing motion and testing how effective a machine is and how to improve it (an adjacent-grade match: the build, test and improve cycle).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Nova Scotia Science 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.
More Nova Scotia Grade 5 science outcomes we teach
Every Nova Scotia Grade 5 science curriculum outcome we teach
Every unit matched to Nova Scotia's curriculum · All places and curricula
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