5th Grade Storytelling
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The Accident That Invented Plastic NGSS 5-PS1-4
Students explore how mixing substances can create entirely new materials with different properties — and how to tell the difference between a mixture and a new substance. Through the invention of plastic, this story makes chemistry clear, exciting, and surprisingly relevant to the world around them.
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The Case of the Disappearing Mummies NGSS 5-PS1-2
Even when we can’t see it, matter is still there. Through decomposing mummies, evaporating water, and melting wax, students explore how physical and chemical changes rearrange particles — without destroying them. It’s a scientific mystery wrapped in history, perfect for helping students grasp the foundational concept that matter is never lost.
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The Gold That Wasn't Gold NGSS 5-PS1-3
Students learn how scientists use observable properties — like hardness, streak, and malleability — to identify materials. With historical context and a scientific twist, this story shows how careful observation and testing help us understand the world beyond what meets the eye.
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The Man Who Dug A Hole Through Earth NGSS 5-PS2-1
As Big Jimmy digs deeper, students discover the layers of Earth and why “down” always means toward the center. With playful narration and real science, this story helps students visualize gravity as a force between masses and understand why no matter where you stand on Earth, gravity pulls you in the same direction.
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The Powder That Blew Up a Factory NGSS 5-PS1-1
Students explore how all matter is made of particles too small to be seen and how changes in particle size and arrangement can affect safety, energy, and everyday life. From sugar cubes to dust clouds, this unforgettable story makes the particle model real, relevant, and explosive in the best way.
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The Whale Powered by Tiny Plants
Students explore how energy from the Sun flows through ecosystems, powering plants, animals, and even giants of the sea. With vivid visuals, relatable analogies, and a strong narrative arc, this story helps learners connect photosynthesis and energy transfer to real food chains — on land and in the ocean.
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The First Nation to Ban Plastic Bags NGSS 5-ESS3-1
Students explore how human actions impact Earth’s systems — and how solutions like policy changes and reusable materials can make a difference. With real-world connections and inspiring results, this story empowers students to understand environmental responsibility and their role in creating a cleaner future.
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The First to Say "The Sun is a Star" NGSS 5-ESS1-1
Before telescopes and space probes, people believed stars were just tiny lights on a black dome. Bruno saw something more. This story explores how scientific ideas grow from observation and imagination, helping students understand that the Sun is our closest star — and that science begins with wonder.
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The Sea Survivor Without a Drink NGSS 5-ESS2-2
Students explore why 97% of Earth’s water is salty, how the water cycle moves water across the planet, and what makes fresh water so rare and precious. With real history, science, and problem-solving, this story brings Earth’s systems and survival science to life in a way students will never forget.
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The Volcano That Froze Summer NGSS 5-ESS2-1
One eruption changed everything. Students explore how volcanic ash blocked sunlight, cooled temperatures, and altered water cycles and plant growth worldwide. Through real data from ice cores and tree rings, they’ll see how changes in one Earth system ripple through them all — and how science helps us understand the web of life and Earth itself.
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The Tree That Gained 150 Pounds NGSS 5-LS1-1
Students explore how plants get the materials they need for growth — not from soil, but from water, air, and sunlight. Through a memorable historical experiment, they learn how living things use resources in their environment to build structure and survive. It’s plant science made powerful through story.
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The Wolf That Brought Back Trees NGSS 5-LS2-1
Students explore how energy moves through an ecosystem and how the behavior of one species can impact many others. With vivid examples of elk, plants, beavers, and rivers, this story helps learners visualize the concept of a trophic cascade and understand why balanced ecosystems depend on every part of the system — even the predators.