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Math
We will be using the “Everyday Mathematics” program in 5th grade. Everyday
Math emphasizes many content strands: numeration (place value, fractions, negative
numbers, decimals, powers of 10), operations and computation (fractions, decimals,
percents), data and chance (probability, data manipulation), geometry, measurement,
and algebra. Students will build on topics from 4th grade, using a problem-solving
approach based on everyday situations that help develop critical thinking.
Language Arts
In 5th grade language arts this year we will be utilizing a variety of reading materials and genres. We will be taking a closer look at historical fiction, biographies, novels, short stories, magazine and newspaper articles, and plays. During our writing workshops we will have the opportunity to navigate through the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, publishing) to compose a variety of genres including narratives, informational, expository, and persuasive writing. We will also be studying and composing poetry. Our writing will be organized using the color coded “stoplight” approach to writing organization. Grammar, reading comprehension strategies, and vocabulary will be interwoven throughout the curriculum where relevant and will also be taught in isolation. Many of our reading selections will be integrated with the social studies and science curriculum and will provide us with relevant background knowledge about what we are studying in those subjects.
Reading and Writing Activities:
Literature Circle Discussions
Shared/Guided/Independent Reading
Journaling/Reflecting
Independent and Partner Reading
Individual and Group Projects
Book Reports (There will be one book report each
trimester.)
Shared/Guided/Independent Writing
Writing Portfolios
Texts and workbooks to be used:
Grades 5-6 Houghton Mifflin Anthology
Grades 5-8 Language Exercise (Steck Vaughn)
Special Grade Level Activities:
Grade 5-Mother's Day Tea including poetry and a party
Social Studies
In 5th grade social studies we will be studying the early history of the United States. We will begin with the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. Next, we will be taking a look at the documents that shaped our government such as the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. The U.S. states and capitols will be studied as well. We will then examine global citizenship and how it relates to issues such as global warming. Manifest Destiny will be our next topic of study as we look at westward expansion including land exploration and the Gold Rush. Finally we will look at the differences between the North and the South that ultimately led to the Civil War. Our projects will include map making, biography writing, journal keeping, poetry writing, and a case study on global warming.
Earth Science
5th Grade begins the year by becoming cartographers. We’ll discover the difficulties of mapping the globe onto a flat paper, and how those flat maps show a distorted image. We’ll try our hands at creating our own maps, with appropriate keys and scales. We’ll use a detailed topographic map of SCEE to navigate the grounds. Next we’ll explore how the power of wind and water to shape and change landforms. This leads us into the first major “sphere” of Earth Science: the Hydrosphere: Earth’s fresh & salt water systems. By wintertime we’ll be discovering how Earth’s water is linked to the next “sphere,” our Atmosphere, and be budding meteorologists. |
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Language Arts
In LA we have been taking an in-depth look at poetry. We have been reading and commenting on a poem a day. Through our poetry studies we have been learning about figurative language and various grammar skills. We have also been working on writing our own poetry and will be assembling our own poetry chapbooks. We have also been reading a story each week from our anthology textbooks and end the year honing our comprehension skills.
Math
5th Grade Mathematics has been building on students’ understanding, exploring topics such as number theory, estimation, computational procedures, geometry, and division. In the upcoming months we will be focusing on reviewing the meanings of fraction, decimal, and percent notations for rational numbers. Another objective is to concentrate on conversions among these notations, emphasizing the fact that embedded in every fraction is a division problem. We will also be continuing our work with data analysis and will be revisiting fractions to learn about addition and subtraction.
Social Studies
In SS we just finished learning about global warming and active citizenship. We have been learning about what causes global warming and the roles we can play in preventing global warming from getting worse. We also have been discussing our responsibilities as citizens of the United States and the impact we have on society. Our studies will culminate with the creation of informational posters about global warming and citizenship.
Earth Science
5th Grade spent their year learning about Earth’s basic systems, from the core of the Earth out to the edge of the atmosphere. We began by becoming cartographers, and learning how to read and create maps. Next we investigated the processes that shape the surface of the Earth, and saw this first- hand on our hikes and on our field trip to Crystal Cave. As we progressed through the year, we studied each of Earth’s spheres: hydrosphere, atmosphere and geosphere, and how these “spheres” interact. We became amateur meteorologists, found evidence of the rock cycle on our hikes, and learned about the processes that move Earth’s tectonic plates. The volcano in Iceland and the earthquake in Haiti became part of our studies. Not only does the 5th grade know the causes of these events, and which of Earth’s tectonic plates were involved, we spearheaded a school-wide project to help raise funds to provide safe water filtration systems for Haiti.
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