Science Curriculum Connections

The science program in elementary school focuses on helping students acquire skills, attitudes and understandings fundamental to the practice of science. The skills and attitudes are outlined at the beginning of the curriculum document and work through all of the topics of study. The understandings are listed under each of the separate topics of study. Inquiry and problem-solving are important processes throughout the program of studies.

The curriculum document puts it this way:
Inquiry is the process of finding answers to questions. The skills of science inquiry include asking questions, proposing ideas, observing,
experimenting, and interpreting the evidence that is gathered. Observation and evidence are key elements. An inquiry may be initiated in a variety of ways. It may be based on a question brought to the classroom by a teacher or student; or it may arise out of an activity, an interesting observation, an unexplained event or a pattern that appears worth pursuing. Engagement in inquiry is not a linear process; it can have a variety of starting points, and the steps followed may vary from one inquiry activity to another. When an unexpected observation is made or a procedure does not work, there is opportunity for new ideas to emerge and a new set of procedures to be followed. (http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/science/elemsci.pdf)

The Mystery of Millfoil Marsh is an inquiry designed to address the fifth topic in the curriculum: wetland ecosystems. During the study students learn about wetland ecosystems by studying life in a local pond, slough, marsh, fen or bog. Through classroom studies, and studies in the field, students learn about organisms that live in, on and around wetlands and about adaptations that suit pond organisms to their environment. Through observation and research, students learn about the interactions among wetland organisms and about the role of each organism as part of a food web. The role of human action in affecting wetland habitats and populations is also studied.

By the end of Grade 5, students are expected to: describe the living and nonliving components of a wetland ecosystem and the interactions within and among them.

For a more complete explanation of the grade 5 science curriculum please visit Alberta Learning's Website. There are also a series of parent handbooks available online through Alberta Learning.,