Year 5 Science Curriculum UK
Year 5 Science covers Earth and Space (heliocentric solar system, planetary movements, lunar phases, day/night rotations), forces (gravity, air resistance, water resistance, friction, levers, pulleys, gears), and properties and changes of materials (reversible vs irreversible chemical changes).
- Describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system
- Describe the movement of the Moon relative to the Earth
- Use the idea of the Earth’s rotation to explain day and night and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky
- Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity
- Demonstrate that dissolving, mixing and changes of state are reversible changes, while burning and acid reactions are irreversible
Curriculum Specification & Statutory Documents
Essential Formulas, Key Rules & Frameworks for Year 5 Science
Term-by-Term Units of Study & Learning Outcomes
Autumn Term: Earth & Space
The Solar System & Planetary Orbits
The Sun at the center; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune; elliptical orbits.
- Describe the planets in order from the Sun
- Explain that the Sun is a star at the center of the solar system
Day and Night & Lunar Phases
Earth’s 24-hour rotation causing day and night; the Moon’s 28-day orbit producing lunar phases.
- Explain day and night using the Earth’s rotation on its axis
- Model how shadows change length throughout the day
Spring Term: Forces (Gravity, Friction & Mechanisms)
Gravity, Air Resistance & Water Resistance
Gravity pulling objects towards Earth; friction opposing motion; streamlined shapes reducing drag.
- Measure forces using a Newton meter (forcemeter) in Newtons (N)
- Design parachutes to test air resistance
Levers, Pulleys & Gears
Simple mechanisms that allow a smaller force to have a greater mechanical effect.
- Demonstrate how levers and pulleys amplify applied force
Summer Term: Properties & Changes of Materials
Reversible vs Irreversible Changes
Dissolving, filtering, sieving, evaporating (reversible) vs burning wood, rusting iron, acid on bicarbonate (irreversible).
- Explain that burning produces new materials (ash, CO₂) and cannot be reversed
- Separate mixtures using sieving, filtering, and evaporating
Free Open-Source Learning Resources & Video Masterclasses
Handpicked curriculum resources aligned with UK Department for Education standards.