Grade 5 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 5 science in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Matter: the particle model of matter explains the physical properties of solids, liquids and gases, such as state, mass, volume, density and compressibility
- Energy and forces: forces such as thrust, drag, lift and weight affect living things and objects in flight
- Energy and forces: the buoyant force of a fluid and an object's weight help explain floating and sinking in water and air
- Energy: people use many energy resources, and their choices affect people and the environment
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?”
- Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives.
- Look up how a household machine works, such as a bike gear, a lamp or a fridge.
- Have your child draw and label a diagram of something they just learned.
What each unit covers
Solid, Liquid, Gas
Matter as anything with mass and volume, how particles are arranged in solids, liquids and gases, and why materials are chosen for their properties.
Measuring Matter
Measuring mass (grams, kilograms) and volume (millilitres, litres), comparing density, why gases compress and solids do not, and how the particle model explains it.
Changes of State
Melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation at home and outdoors, and how matter absorbs or releases thermal energy when it changes state.
Forces in Flight
The four forces of flight (lift and weight, thrust and drag) and how they balance for a bird, a kite or a plane, plus examples of technologies, including traditional ones, that use them.
Float or Sink?
Buoyant force as the upward push of a fluid, comparing it with weight to explain floating and sinking, and why shape matters for ships and boats.
Energy Sources
Renewable and non-renewable sources, how burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change, and everyday ways to use less energy.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Alberta report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 5 child with science?
Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?” Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 5 science in Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 5 science units include solid, liquid, gas, measuring matter, changes of state, forces in flight, float or sink?, energy sources.
Free printable Grade 5 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.