Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem Activities for 5th Grade Science

The Kesler Science Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem 5E Lesson provides everything you need to teach an engaging, student-led exploration of how energy and nutrients move through ecosystems. Designed for maximum flexibility, this lesson includes differentiated resources, multimodal learning opportunities, and both print and digital formats to fit any classroom setting.  

Students will investigate essential questions through a research-based 5E approach. The lesson begins with engaging discussions and hands-on exploration using a differentiated station lab. Editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, and note-taking tools support deeper understanding, while student-choice projects and modified assessments ensure all learners can demonstrate their knowledge.  

With built-in Spanish translations, interactive materials, and low-prep activities, this lesson helps students take ownership of their learning while allowing teachers to focus on student success. Whether in-person or virtual, this complete resource makes science meaningful, accessible, and fun!

The Kesler Science Cycling of Matter Station Lab provides a hands-on, student-led approach to exploring energy flow in ecosystems. This engaging, modular lesson allows 5th graders to investigate producers, consumers, and energy sources through interactive stations, saving teachers valuable prep time.  

With eight differentiated stations plus a challenge station for early finishers, students encounter concepts through videos, readings, research, and hands-on exploration. Output stations encourage creative demonstrations of understanding through sorting, writing, drawing, and assessment activities.  

Designed for flexibility, the lab includes all necessary materials and can be used in traditional or digital classrooms. Whether working independently or in small groups, students take ownership of their learning in a dynamic and meaningful way.

The Kesler Science Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem Student Choice Projects give 5th graders the freedom to express their learning in a way that suits them best. With six structured project options plus a “design your own” choice, students can demonstrate understanding through writing, visuals, or hands-on activities. A flexible rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment.  

This resource is designed for differentiation, offering modified project options for students needing extra support and challenge activities for those ready to go further. Editable rubrics make grading simple, and multimodal choices keep students engaged.  

Easy to implement, the projects use basic classroom supplies and can be completed on paper or digitally. Whether creating models, presentations, or reports, students explore the cycling of matter in creative and meaningful ways.

The Kesler Science 5th Grade Life Science Interactive Notebook Bundle provides engaging, hands-on learning for key life science topics. This comprehensive resource includes both print and digital versions, making it perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.  

The digital interactive notebook features a unique PowerPoint format, Google Slides compatibility, reflection pages, space for notes, and a modified version for students with accommodations. The paper version includes blank and pre-filled templates, plus color photo examples for easy implementation.  

Covering topics like plant growth, ecosystems, fossil evidence, and inherited traits, this bundle helps students organize their learning while giving teachers flexible, high-quality materials to enhance instruction.