Students research a real community project that uses science to protect a resource, then build a fact file about it. The 4-page 5th grade worksheet suggests a city recycling program, a wetland restoration, a wind farm, or a water-saving farm. A Key Facts table asks for the problem, the science idea used, and the community benefit, following NGSS 5-ESS3-1. The teacher key models a full answer on the Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson, Arizona.
5-ESS3-1
“Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.”
The Key Facts rows on the science idea used and the community benefit, and the Project Summary, which asks what other communities could learn.
Students choose a real project and draw or stick a picture of it in the space provided.
A six-row table asks for the project name, the location, the resource protected, the problem before the project, the science idea used, and the community benefit.
One line for a surprising fact about the project or its science. The model answer notes that Sweetwater Wetlands is home to over 300 bird species.
In 2 to 3 sentences, students explain why the project matters and what other communities could learn from it.
Research lesson
Book computer time or bring in printed articles on two or three local projects. Students fill the Key Facts table as they read.
Presentations
Have each student present their fact file for one minute. With different projects across the class, the room hears about wetlands, wind farms, and recycling in one lesson.
Grading
Use the Sweetwater Wetlands model answer as the bar for detail. It shows how much belongs in The Science Idea Used row, which names wetland plants, sand, and soil as the filter.
Get started today
