Frequently Asked Questions
about Science Lesson Plans

Science Select

Daily Lessons Plans for 5th Grade and
Intermediate Science Teachers

How can teachers adapt lessons to meet the needs of their students?
Lessons are designed and written to cover all the knowledge and skills that the state of Texas         
requires for all 5th grade students (TEKS).  Adaptations for special populations might include:        
extensions and greater complexity for gifted students, shortening lessons and simplifying                  
vocabulary for special needs students and translations of student lab and project sheets for             
second language children. Student pages in Spanish are available for purchase from Science           
Select.

How can teachers be sure that all concepts that will be tested on the Texas Assessment    
of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) are taught?
Included in all modules are activities that address 5th Grade TEKS, as well as, those from earlier    
grades as they apply.  This is to insure that students will be prepared with all the concepts and        
vocabulary outlined in the 5th grade science TAKS objectives.  

Can other lab investigations and/or activities be substituted for those included in the         
Science Select modules?
Lab investigations or special activities can be substituted in any lesson as long as they satisfy           
the 5th grade science TEKS and TAKS requirements.

Is the Science Select 5th grade science curriculum a stand-alone program or does it           
require a textbook?
Science Select is a complete curriculum with daily lesson plans and student lab and activity pages   
for the entire school year.  Related textbook pages and/or use of the Internet and other                  
resources, such as, curriculum kits, enhance concept and vocabulary development, but these are    
not necessary components.

Is it possible for science teachers outside the state of Texas to use the Science Select       
curriculum successfully?
Website links are provided on this web page for educators to examine the Texas state                    
 requirements for 5th grade science students.  Science Select is comprised of seven individual         
 modules that can be adapted to the requirements of other states and/or other grade levels.