5th Grade Science Curriculum

In fifth grade science, students learn about atoms, cells, electricity, and human body systems for a well-rounded understanding of the structure and function of life. Through our focus on connecting science to everyday topics, fifth grade students will discover how living things function and what feats of electrical and mechanical engineering power the modern world.

Miacademy’s fifth grade science curriculum brings these concepts to life through interactive, inquiry-based lessons with hands-on exploration and meaningful engagement. Students not only learn about these topics but practice them through experiments and projects, further solidifying their understanding of the world.

Sample Lesson

You can find more of our fifth grade science videos on Youtube on The Miacademy Learning Channel!

Is my student ready for 5th grade science lessons?

Before beginning fifth grade science, we recommend a good understanding of fourth grade science topics or completion of our fourth grade science curriculum, General Science.

Your student is likely ready for fifth grade science if they:

1. Can read and understand informational texts, like articles and instructions
2. Can summarize key ideas from reading and ask thoughtful questions
3. Show curiosity about how things work and enjoy exploring nature or technology
4. Can apply basic math operations to real-world problems, including multiplication, division, fractions, and measurements
5. Can understand and follow multi-step instructions for tasks or projects
6. Enjoy doing puzzles, problem-solving, and figuring things out independently
7. Can make predictions and explain the reasoning behind them
8. Recognize simple cause-and-effect relationships in different situations
9. Can stay focused on tasks for extended periods and/or show perseverance
10. Try different approaches when something doesn’t work right away

Free 5th Grade Science Worksheets – PDF Download

Each video lesson has printable science worksheets with additional activities to extend learning beyond the screen with a hands-on approach!

Click here to download a free sample PDF of our fifth grade science worksheets:

What are the 5th grade science standards?

At this stage, students are ready to make connections between previous concepts, like matter and ecosystems, and new knowledge, such as energy, cells, and the human body. By introducing tools like the scientific method, data interpretation, and engineering design, these standards help students develop problem-solving skills and prepare them for more complex science in middle school and beyond.

Fifth grade science standards are designed to give students an understanding of how the world works, both physically and biologically. Miacademy achieves this through topics like:

1. Understanding and applying the scientific method, including making observations and forming hypotheses
2. Interpreting data from charts, tables, and graphs
3. Describing the structure and properties of matter, including solids, liquids, and gases
4. Identifying elements, compounds, and mixtures
5. Understanding basic concepts of the periodic table
6. Explaining the function and structure of cells and recognizing multicellular organization
7. Understanding human body systems and how they work together
8. Describing ecosystems and the relationships between organisms, including food chains and webs
9. Explaining the water cycle, weather patterns, and Earth’s systems
10. Exploring forms of energy, including light, sound, heat, and electrical energy
11. Understanding forces and motion, including gravity, friction, and magnetism
12. Building and explaining simple circuits and identifying basic electrical components
13. Exploring engineering design processes and applying them to solve real-world problems

Standards can vary by state, so be sure to check what’s required where you live.

Scope and Sequence

Structures of Science

Science in fifth grade focuses on how the world works, emphasizing beginner-level chemistry, biology, and applied science. Starting with the tiniest atoms and cells, the course covers the periodic table, elements, compounds, and cellular systems, such as those in the human body. Students also learn about electricity, circuits, and various fields of engineering, all while practicing the scientific process and data interpretation. Ultimately, the goal of our fifth grade science curriculum is for students to understand the real-world impact of science.

Miacademy’s Online 5th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Our fifth grade science curriculum grows curiosity and foundational skills through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. From atoms and cells to circuits and compounds, students strengthen their critical thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence, supporting success in every aspect of their education.

Plus, one of the best things about our K-8 science curriculum is homeschooling with flexibility! You get full customization over your lesson plans and assignments to fit your child’s unique learning needs. Students can pick up where they left off and begin working on new topics.

Our family of accredited curricula covers everything from lab safety to physics and chemistry and adapts easily to your child’s educational needs.

Whether you homeschool full time or are looking to supplement a public school education, we’re here to support you! Wondering if Miacademy’s fifth grade homeschool curriculum can be a good fit for your student? Start a chat with one of our friendly customer service agents below! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.