This course will meet the standards needs for 4th and 5th grade science. 

The full set of standards can be accessed by the parent at https://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/default/files/5%20combined%20DCI%20standardsf.pdf

Life Science
S5L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to group organisms using scientific
classification procedures.
a. Develop a model that illustrates how animals are sorted into groups (vertebrate and
invertebrate) and how vertebrates are sorted into groups (fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and
mammal) using data from multiple sources.
b. Develop a model that illustrates how plants are sorted into groups (seed producers, non-seed
producers) using data from multiple sources.
S5L2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information showing that some characteristics of
organisms are inherited and other characteristics are acquired.
a. Ask questions to compare and contrast instincts and learned behaviors.
b. Ask questions to compare and contrast inherited and acquired physical traits.
(Clarification statement: Punnett squares and genetics are taught in future grades.)
S5L3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the parts
of plant and animal cells.
a. Gather evidence by utilizing technology tools to support a claim that plants and animals are
comprised of cells too small to be seen without magnification.
b. Develop a model to identify and label parts of a plant cell (membrane, wall, cytoplasm,
nucleus, chloroplasts) and of an animal cell (membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus).
c. Construct an explanation that differentiates between the structure of plant and animal cells.
S5L4. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how microorganisms benefit
or harm larger organisms.
(Clarification statement: Possible microorganisms could include Tardigrades, Lactobacillus,
Probiotics, Rotifers, Salmonella, Clostridium botulinum (Botox), E-coli, Algae, etc. Students are
not expected to know these specific microorganisms. The list is provided to give teachers
examples.)
a. Construct an argument using scientific evidence to support a claim that some microorganisms
are beneficial.
b. Construct an argument using scientific evidence to support a claim that some microorganisms
are harmful.

Mrs. Collins is gifted science certified with 23 years of experience in the classroom and 10 years teaching online. 

Elementary Gifted Science 
Holt 4th and 5th Grade Science Textbooks
Fun Life Science Experiments
These were used to create the class, but students do not need access.