5th Grade Science Study Guide

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from 5th-grade science topics including cells, traits, electricity, magnetism, landforms, and more.

What is a cell?

The basic unit of life and structure of all living things.

What does the nucleus do?

Controls all the cell's activities, known as the boss.

What is the function of a vacuole?

Stores water, food, and waste in a liquid-filled space.

Name one function of mitochondria.

Breaks down, stores, and releases energy.

What is the main role of ribosomes?

Make and store proteins.

Define inherited trait.

A characteristic passed down from parents to offspring.

What is the difference between an acquired trait and an inherited trait?

Acquired traits are gained after birth, while inherited traits are passed from parents.

What is a gene?

Part of the chromosome that contains DNA and determines traits.

What is static electricity?

The build-up of electrons, a natural form of electricity.

What are insulators?

Materials through which heat and electricity do not flow easily.

What is the purpose of the electric current?

The flow of electric charges.

What is a magnet?

An object that attracts iron and other metals.

What do the north and south poles of a magnet do?

North poles attract south poles and repel other north poles.

What are the two main types of organisms in the Animal Kingdom?

Invertebrates and vertebrates.

What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Contain chlorophyll and make food for plants.

Define density.

How tightly packed the particles are in an object.

What is a solution?

A mixture when one substance dissolves in another.

What is the difference between constructive and destructive processes?

Constructive processes build up Earth’s surface, while destructive processes break it down.

What creates a delta?

The slowing of moving water where a river flows into an ocean or lake, leading to deposition.

Describe the process of erosion.

The carrying away of sediment by wind, water, or ice.

What is a glacial moraine?

Ridges of sediment and rock left behind by melting glaciers.

What is an aquifer?

A geological formation that can yield water, found underground.

What does taxonomy refer to?

The hierarchy system used to classify organisms based on similarities.

What is a volcano?

A mountain that forms as molten rock (lava) flows through a crack at Earth's surface.