Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Well, it turns out that fifth graders know a lot more about AI than you might think. Many fifth grade students are aware that they’ve likely been engaging with different types of AI technology throughout their lives.
This familiarity with AI sets the perfect foundation for exploring how these tools can enhance their learning experience. So as part of my ongoing AI for K-12 series, I’ve gathered the best AI tools for fifth grade.
I want to preface by saying that I carefully vet these AI tools because I’m a strong believer in teacher-friendly solutions—not just cool ideas that sound great, but end up falling short in practice. You can trust that I’ve chosen only the most effective, engaging, and developmentally appropriate tools for your fifth grade class. You guys are in for a treat, as all of these AI tools are COPPA & FERPA compliant. And as always, I am here for you if you need support and guidance – with my help, you will feel empowered and confident in using this tech with your students.
The Power of AI for Fifth Graders
Fifth graders are naturally engaging, intellectually curious, and all-around a great age to enrich their minds with higher-order thinking. Teachers can capitalize on this by asking fifth grade students to think about how they can use the power of AI to change the world.
Initiatives like Project Lead the Way and Science Buddies encourage children to do just that. They recognize the importance of STEM and AI for young students and have intentionally designed programs and learning experiences to encourage fifth graders to keep discovering solutions – now and for the future they are growing up into.
In this article, we are going to talk about initiatives like these that are leading the way for STEM and AI education for fifth graders.
So with that being said, let’s dive right in!
AI Tools for Fifth Grade
When on the lookout for AI tools for Fifth grade, we need to make sure that the tools are compliant with FERPA, COPPA, and state data privacy laws. That’s why I made this list 100% compliant and secure for teachers, so they can feel confident using them in their classrooms.
Padlet
Number one on my list is Padlet. This is my most favorite EdTech tool on the market right now. There are so many different ways to use Padlet in education. From designing story boards, Jeopardy games, KWL charts, Lesson Slides, the possibilities here are really endless by replacing about 20 tools into 1 user friendly platform. Padlet is a great AI tool for fifth grade because it is compatible with your LMS and apps like Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, Schoology, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams, which makes it incredibly easy for teachers. Not to mention, students love Padlet too.
Also, an honorable mention that this tool is COPPA and FERPA compliant! Save papers, sticky notes, and avoid classroom traffic by using Padlet and allowing your students creativity to soar.
Price
Padlet has a freemium option for access to basic features. Paid options include classroom and school wide benefits such as unlimited boards, API access, and more.
Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is on a mission to create learning environments that empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary for the future. This initiative includes STEM projects, activities, and enrichment opportunities for K-12. This is an incredible resource for fifth grade students. In particular, for fifth grade, they have a Robotics and Automation: Challenge where students learn about robotics while exploring design and computer science. PLTW is an amazing project based learning activity that encourages students to work together to design, build, test, and refine a mobile robot that meets a set of design constraints. Both COPPA and FERPA compliant, PLTW is a solid option for fifth grade.
Pricing
For an annual K-5 subscription, expect to spend $950. For other grades and subjects – science, engineering, etc – the prices may vary.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is one of those tools that students genuinely love interacting with. It is an incredible option for fifth grade, but it also can be used for K-12. Overall, it makes creative skill-building fun and easy. Teachers can use this AI tool for fifth grade by assigning design presentations, infographics, videos, and more! This is the type of tool that teachers can really get creative with when it comes to lesson planning and brainstorming fun, engaging enrichment activities. You can use AI to ask students prompt strategize to add or remove elements, generate images, create slide templates, and so much more. FERPA & COPPA compliant so you already know this is going to “wow” your admin team.
Pricing
Free for teachers! Includes unlimited access and SSO/LMS integrations.
Science Buddies
If you have been keeping up with my AI for K-12 series, you know that I have already mentioned Science Buddies in previous articles. But that’s because it really is such a great science resource!
Science Buddies has some solid choices for integrating AI for fifth grade. One activity in particular is Imagine Ways that Artificial Intelligence Could Change the World. Designed by Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, this resource does a deep dive into the potential benefits and dangers of an artificial intelligence solution that fifth grade students will come up with. Such a great way to introduce and engage students in a lesson on AI while making it a relevant and real-world scenario.
Pricing
Totally free! I highly recommend you check it out for your fifth graders.
Class Companion
Class Companion is an AI tool that supports teachers in providing feedback to students on assignments. Not only that, but it also provides students with an AI tutor to help with scaffolding. This helps to multiply your capacity as a teacher so you can kick your feet up and watch engagement and outcomes soar. Class Companion complies with FERPA, COPPA, and state data privacy laws. It is also a Student Privacy Pledge signatory. All in all, Class Companion is a great AI tool for fifth grade.
Price
This platform offers a freemium option with paid subscriptions for schools and districts.
Snorkl
Snorkl is a great AI tool for fifth grade students. It supports student learning by giving feedback on both text and visual answers, making it a great option for math and science. This AI tool can be used for any subject, however, and increases student engagement through tech-powered support. And like I said earlier, Snorkl is also a FERPA and COPPA compliant tool. Win – win!
Pricing
Teachers can sign up for a free trial. Schools or districts can unlock unlimited access with paid partnerships.
Microsoft Reading Coach
Microsoft Reading Coach is an AI tool that supports students with reading fluency, comprehension, and targeted practice. It is a great AI tool for fifth grade because of its adaptive learning design. One really cool feature is that the lessons and stories can be ‘co-created’ with responsible AI, keeping even the distracted or reluctant readers engaged. COPPA & FERPA compliant!
Pricing
See their website for more information.
Schedule a Consultation with Schooling America
I understand that teachers’ days are packed, with schedules down to the minute. When you’re already working 50-60 hours a week, finding the time to explore how AI can streamline your teaching is likely the last thing on your mind. But what many teachers don’t realize is how much easier their lives could be, both in and out of the classroom, by integrating AI.
Whether you’re seeking meaningful professional development or considering a shift in your career, Schooling America is here to support you every step of the way. Through personalized consultations, I’ll provide tailored strategies that match your teaching style, classroom dynamics, and school culture. By the end of our time together, you’ll feel confident in using AI tools and techniques to enhance your teaching experience.
Here’s what you can expect from our consultation:
✰ Save time and reduce hours spent working beyond your contracted schedule
✰ Boost your performance evaluations with effective, innovative strategies
✰ Build a personalized Techie Toolkit to ensure a smooth and productive school year
✰ Maximize student engagement and learning with forward-thinking teaching methods
As our students prepare to enter a world where AI is embedded in nearly every industry, it’s crucial for us as educators to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to guide them responsibly and ethically in using these technologies. I’m here to help you navigate that journey, answering your questions and offering practical, research-backed ways to integrate AI into your classroom.
Conclusion
I hope you discovered some new AI tools that you are excited to try out for your fifth graders! Be sure to stay tuned for my next article, AI tools for Sixth Grade.
If you need support or need guidance on where to start with AI in your classroom, book a time in my calendar, I would be more than happy to guide and support you in taking that step forward. AI can seem like a big scary giant, but with my help, you will feel empowered and realize the possibilities are endless. To infinity and beyond!
