DLI 5th Grade Guide

5th Grade Science/Social Studies Integrated Unit (Place-based and Project-based)

End-of-Year Unit 6

PACING

KEY LANGUAGE USE(S)

Apr 27 - May 28, 2026

Compare and Contrast, Explain, Persuasion: Explain the causes and impacts of natural disasters, argue for specific preparedness strategies, inquire about emergency response systems, and inform others through presentations, campaigns, and formal writing.

This integrated project should be taught at the end of the school year during both the science and social studies blocks. It is a culminating, integrated science and social studies project.

KEY STANDARD(S)

Science ​ 5.1.5 Design solutions to reduce the effects of naturally occurring events that impact humans. Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, develop possible solutions using models, analyze data from testing solutions, and propose modifications for optimizing a solution. Emphasize that humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but they can take steps to reduce their impacts. Examples of events could include landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, blizzards, or volcanic eruptions. (ESS3.B, ETS1.A, ETS1.B, ETS1.C) Social Studies *5.6.1: Investigate and report on current pressing issues facing the United States, and propose potential solutions that they can support (for example, raising awareness through digital media, energy and resource conservation, letter writing, fundraising). English Language Arts 5.SL.3: Use age-appropriate language, grammar, volume, and clear pronunciation when speaking or presenting. a. Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and use relevant descriptions, facts, and details to elaborate on main ideas or themes. 5.R.12: Draw on information from multiple sources including media to locate an answer to a question or to solve a problem. (RI)