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Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem Activities for
5th Grade Science

The resources below will provide students a comprehensive understanding of the cycling of matter in an ecosystem. All of the following lessons are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem 5E Lesson includes materials for every "E" phase, including the Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem Station Lab for Exploration and an interactive PowerPoint with digital INB templates for Explanation.

The lesson also includes introduction materials for Engagement, student-choice project ideas for Elaboration, and assessments for Evaluation.

After completing the Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem 5E Lesson, students will be able to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the idea that matter that is not food (air, water, decomposed materials in soil) is changed by plants into matter that is food. Examples of systems could include organisms, ecosystems, and the Earth.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include molecular explanations.]

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Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the (name) unit. This topic is only one of many 5th grade science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions
  • How do living things get the energy and nutrients they need to survive?
  • What role do plants play in a food web?
Standards
  • 5-LS2-1 - Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the idea that matter that is not food (air, water, decomposed materials in soil) is changed by plants into matter that is food. Examples of systems could include organisms, ecosystems, and the Earth.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include molecular explanations.]

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Kesler Science Membership

Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).

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