Unit Details
5LNG - Matter & Energy in an Ecosystem
5th Grade - Life Science - NGSS
Students explore how plants and animals get their food for survival. Using models, students can describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. They determine that the energy in an animal’s food was once energy from the sun.
Anchor Phenomenon: Oxpecker and Hippo Video
Driving Question: What is the relationship between the oxpecker and the hippo? or What is the relationship between different living and nonliving things in the African lakes and river ecosystem?
Engineering Design Challenge: Develop a plan to reduce the impact of humans on the energy flow in an ecosystem.
Ordering Updates We have streamlined our ordering process. Our individual catalogs and order forms have been replaced by a single Interactive Order Form. This Excel spreadsheet contains our complete product catalog and includes dedicated tabs for Trade Books, Spanish Journals, Quick Orders, and individual unit orders, with each tab automatically calculating order totals as you enter quantities. To place an order, download the form, fill in your desired quantities in the appropriate tab, and email the completed file to suzan@bcamsc.org. If you do not have Microsoft Excel, the form can also be opened using Google Sheets.
Curriculum Samples, Packing Slip, and Ordering Information
- Sample Teacher Guide and Student Journal - includes Standards Alignment Information, Unit at a Glance, and example lessons.
- 5LNG Packing Slip - Helpful list of the original unit contents.
- Interactive Product Catalog & Order Form (Excel Spreadsheet) - Download our Excel order form to browse our full product catalog, enter quantities, and get automatic order totals, then send it back to place your order.
Classroom Resources and Curriculum Updates
- View Google Sheet - Updated 5/18/2026

