Earth and Space Sciences
What to Know
Grade 5 Earth and space science covers Earth's systems, the water cycle, weather and climate, and patterns in the sky. You should understand that Earth has interacting systems: the geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living things). Be able to describe the water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Understand that weather describes short-term conditions while climate describes long-term patterns. Know that the sun provides energy that drives weather and the water cycle. Be ready to explain observable patterns such as day and night, the seasons, and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky.
Traps to Watch
A common trap is confusing weather with climate; a cold day does not contradict a warming climate. Another is thinking the seasons are caused by Earth's distance from the sun; they are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis. Watch for questions that mix up evaporation and condensation, or that assume clouds are made of water vapor rather than tiny water droplets. Also be careful with questions about the sun's apparent motion; the sun does not actually move across the sky.
Worked Example
A puddle dries after a sunny day. Rule of thumb: energy from the sun causes evaporation, turning liquid water into water vapor. That vapor may later cool and condense into clouds, showing the water cycle in action.
Rule of Thumb
Weather is now; climate is over time.