Life Cycle
FIFTH GRADE
8 week unit

1. Students should be able to compare animals and plant cells.
2. Students should begin recognizing the different components of a cell.
3. Students should begin understanding the significance of RNA and DNA.
4. Students should be able to distinguish the six kingdoms.
5. Students should be able to compare asexual and sexual reproduction.
6. Students should recognize different tissues found in humans.
7. Students should be able to compare human body systems.
8. Students should be able to calculate how many calories they eat.
9. Students should begin to recognize voluntary and involuntary reactions.
10. Students should recognize characteristics of plants.
11. Students should be able to compare gymnosperms and angiosperms.
12. Students should know different mechanisms for seed dispersal.
13. Students should recognize different corals.
14. Students should be able to discuss the environment that corals require.
15. Students should be able to compare autotrophs and heterotrophs.
16. Students should understand how data is collected to understand the natural environment.

WEEK 1.
PRE: Identifying animal and plant cell parts.
LAB: Exploring the different organelles of a cell.
POST: Exploring the importance of RNA and DNA.
WEEK 2.
PRE: Explaining the importance of reproduction.
LAB: Comparing asexual and sexual reproductive strategies.
POST: Comparing characteristics of the 5 kingdoms.

WEEK 3.
PRE: Comparing functions of specific body systems.
LAB: Calculating calorie intake.
POST: Comparing how and where digestion takes place.
WEEK 4.
PRE: Comparing the three types of muscle tissue.
LAB: Calculating reflex time.
POST: Defining different components of the medical profession.

PLANT LIFE

WEEK 5.
PRE: Analyzing the structure of plant cells.
LAB: Observing different plants under the microscope.
POST: Demonstrating photosynthesis.
WEEK 6.
PRE: Exploring the diversification of plant reproduction.
LAB: Comparing reproduction of a gymnosperm and angiosperm.
POST: Discovering how seeds are dispersed.

WEEK 7.
PRE: Exploring coral species.
LAB: Exploring and distinguishing the different types of corals.
POST: Discussing the requirements of corals.
WEEK 8.
PRE: Comparing autotrophs and heterotrophs.
LAB: Exploring the eating habits of an owl.
POST: Interpreting data obtained from owl pellets.