5th Grade Science
2026 Spring
5th Grade Science B
Instructor: Gaelan Tracy
Wednesday 6– 7:30PM CST
Dates: Feb 11 – May 6
No Class Date: March 18
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $579
2025 Fall
5th Grade Science A
Instructor: Gaelan Tracy
Wednesday 6– 7:30PM CST
Dates: Sept 17 – Dec 10
No Class Date: Nov 26
Prerequisite: None
Fee: $579
Weekly homework will be assigned. 12 classes (total 24 hours).
5th Grade Science
Fifth-grade science explores fundamental concepts across various scientific disciplines, including life science, physical science, and Earth science. Students learn about ecosystems and organisms, basic principles of matter and energy, and Earth’s processes such as weather and the water cycle. Hands-on experiments and interactive activities are used to develop scientific inquiry skills, encourage curiosity, and build a foundational understanding of how science explains the natural world.
Gaelan Tracy
As an educator at a Houston area private school, Mr. Tracy taught 5th and middle school science. He served two years as a lead teacher and head of the middle school science department. Mr. Tracy obtained his bachelor’s degree in General Science with Teaching from Temple University, completing the UTeach Program developed at the University of Texas in Austin.
Mr. Tracey is looking forward to using his skills in inquiry-based and personalized instruction, to engage students in learning important scientific skills and concepts with real-world applications. He is passionate about inclusive education and incorporating visual and physical models to make learning more accessible to students with varying levels of proficiency and differing sociocultural backgrounds.
In his spare time, he loves learning about technology and new ways to be more effective and efficient as a teacher and recently received training in educational applications of AI. He also coaches two sports per school year.
All instructional materials from the camp, including recorded sessions, will remain accessible for an additional three months following the conclusion of the camp. Zoom and Canvas platforms will be utilized for delivery and access to these resources.
5th Grade Science A: Exploring Physics
Week 1-2: Introduction to Motion
- Students will explore the concept of motion through virtual simulations and online interactive activities.
- Engage in discussions and virtual experiments to understand speed, velocity, and acceleration.
Week 3-4: Understanding Force
- Investigate the principles of force through online videos and interactive demonstrations.
- Participate in virtual experiments to observe the relationship between force and motion.
Week 5-6: Exploring Energy and Matter
- Discover different forms of energy and their interactions with matter through online readings and virtual experiments.
- Explore changes in matter and energy transfer through online simulations and discussions.
Week 7-8: Sound and Electricity
- Dive into the properties of sound waves and basic electricity concepts through online
resources and demonstrations. - Engage in virtual activities to understand circuits, electrical components, and the basics of electricity.
Week 9-10: Magnetism, Light, and Atoms
- Explore the properties of magnets, light behavior, and the basics of atoms through online videos and interactive modules.
- Participate in virtual experiments and discussions to deepen understanding of magnetism, light, and atomic structures.
Throughout the course, students will have access to online resources, virtual experiments, interactive discussions, and projects to enhance their understanding of physics concepts in a remote learning environment.
5th Grade Science B: Exploring Physics
Week 1-2: Introduction to Cells
- Students will explore the world of cells through online resources, virtual models, and
interactive cell simulations. - Learn about the structure and functions of plant and animal cells, and their significance in
living organisms.
Week 3-4: Human Body Systems
- Investigate the human body systems virtually, including the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems through online labs and interactive diagrams.
- Gain an understanding of how these systems work together to maintain health and equilibrium in the body.
Week 5-6: Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
- Explore the flow of matter and energy in ecosystems, such as food chains and webs, using online readings, videos, and simulations.
- Discuss the importance of conservation and the impact of human activities on the balance of ecosystems.
Week 7-8: Plants and Animals
- Study plant and animal characteristics, life cycles, and adaptations for survival in different environments through online research and virtual experiments.
- Engage in observations of plant and animal diversity through virtual field trips and interactive activities.
Week 9-10: Adaptations and Classification
- Investigate how organisms adapt to their environments and the importance of adaptations for survival through online discussions and case studies.
- Explore the classification of living organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships using online resources.
Week 11-12: Traits and Heredity
- Learn about traits, genes, and heredity virtually, including the basics of inheritance and genetic diversity.
- Explore how traits are inherited from parents to offspring and the role of genetics in shaping the characteristics of plants and animals.
Throughout the course, students will have access to virtual labs, interactive discussions, multimedia resources, and projects to deepen their understanding of biology concepts in an online remote learning environment.