Take your students on a journey through ecosystems with this 5th Grade Wild Discoveries Unit! This 103-page resource includes high-interest nonfiction reading passages, comprehension questions, and hands-on science activities. Students will explore how matter and energy move through ecosystems, and how human actions impact the environment. Perfectly aligned to NGSS 5-LS and RI.5 reading standards, this complete, cross-curricular unit makes science engaging, meaningful, and easy to integrate into your classroom.

How This Resource is Different:

Unlike generic worksheets, this resource is a teacher-created, classroom-tested unit that combines reading comprehension, critical thinking, and hands-on exploration. Each passage is written at a 5th-grade level with built-in text evidence practice. Students don’t just read — they investigate, sort, model, and analyze science concepts in a way that deepens understanding. Through nonfiction passages, food web diagrams, energy models, and problem-solving activities, students develop a deep understanding of ecosystems, energy transfer, and conservation.

What’s Included in the Download:

• 10 Nonfiction Reading Passages on Ecosystems, Energy & Human Impact
• Comprehension Questions with Answer Keys
• Hands-On or Printable, Inquiry-Based Science Activities (food webs, energy transfer, decomposition)
• Graphic Organizers & Critical Thinking Tasks for Science and ELA Integration
• All Answer Keys!

Topics Included (10 Animals):

“Badger Beneath the Grass”

Learn how badgers use powerful digging skills and sharp senses to survive on the prairie.

Science Focus: Predator-prey role, energy transfer, burrowing adaptations

NGSS Standard: 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1.

“The Gecko’s Way”

Discover how the gecko conserves energy and uses unique structures to thrive in hot, dry deserts.

Science Focus: Structure-function, energy conservation

NGSS Standards: 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1

“The Vulture’s Clean-Up Crew”

Explore how vultures help ecosystems by breaking down waste and cycling matter.

Science Focus: Decomposition, recycling of matter

NGSS Standard: 5-LS2-1

“Jellyfish Drift”

Uncover how jellyfish survive in the ocean’s currents and their role in marine food chains.

Science Focus: Energy transfer, predator-prey relationships

NGSS Standard: 5-PS3-1

“Howler in the Canopy”

Meet the howler monkey and learn how communication and social behavior support group survival.

Science Focus: Social behavior, energy from producers

NGSS Standard: 5-LS2-1

“Bison on the Move”

Examine how bison shape prairie ecosystems through grazing and migration patterns.

Science Focus: Grazing impact, ecosystem balance, food web roles

NGSS Standards: 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1

“The Clever Raccoon”

Discover how raccoons use adaptability, curiosity, and food-finding strategies to survive in woodlands.

Science Focus: Energy acquisition, nocturnal behavior

NGSS Standard: 5-PS3-1

“Dolphin Intelligence”

Dive into dolphin life and see how communication, group living, and brain power aid survival.

Science Focus: Communication, social learning, energy needs

NGSS Standards: 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1

“The Endangered Koala”

Learn about the threats facing koalas and how conservation efforts help protect their habitat.

Science Focus: Habitat loss, environmental impact, conservation

NGSS Standard: 5-ESS3-1

“The Giant of the Plains”

Study how elephants rely on strong family groups and massive energy intake to survive in the wild.

Science Focus: Group behavior, conservation challenges, energy use

NGSS Standards: 5-PS3-1, 5-ESS3-1

These Units Are Perfect For:

• Lessons on Animal Ecosystems & Matter Cycling
• Teaching Animal Energy in Food Chains & Food Webs
• Exploring Human Impact & Environmental Protection
• Whole-Class Reading + Science Instruction
• Reading Groups and Literacy Stations
• Science Centers
• Sub Plans, Enrichment, and Early Finishers

The Best Part:

This resource allows students to practice reading comprehension while mastering NGSS life science standards — all in one!

In This One Convenient Resource, You Can…

• Teach 10 engaging science topics without extra prep
• Reinforce reading and writing standards through science
• Save time with ready-to-use passages and activities

Cross-Curricular Integration!

Students learn how energy flows through ecosystems, matter cycles among organisms, and human choices impact the environment. Each activity is standards-aligned and blends science learning with ELA skills and critical thinking.

Supports the Following Standards:

• NGSS: 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-ESS3-1
• ELA: RI.5.1, RI.5.2, RI.5.4, RI.5.5, RI.5.8, RI.5.10