5th Grade News
Fifth graders completed their first math unit which focused on finding the volume of rectangular prisms and are now in unit 2 working to learn the traditional algorithm for 2-digit multiplication. Parents may rest easy because this is the way we all learned and still use today. If your child needs help, you will know what to do.
Each Friday students take a three minute timed test over addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. They work to complete 50 problems in three minutes. Many have passed both addition and subtraction and only have multiplication and division left this quarter. A few have even passed all four! Those students get to play math games on their chrome books during the testing time.
I always say, “Practice makes progress.” The more they practice the better they’ll get, so quizzing them at home, while riding in the car, or having them practice facts on computers or iPads will benefit them greatly.
Mathematics is an important part of our daily lives. It is my hope that I am able to help students become more confident, competent problem solvers.
We also just wrapped up our first science unit, Simple Chemistry. In this unit students were able to complete models of atoms labeling the parts, and show how molecules move and change when the state of matter changes from solid to liquid, liquid to solid, gas to liquid, and liquid to gas. They even got some practice reading the Periodic Table of Elements. They participated in a few labs to identify acids and bases, to determine if foods contained starch and learned that they can create an emulsion by mixing soap with oil and water. They also learned how to create carbon dioxide with common household materials. Science is everywhere in the world around us. I would love for students to remain inquisitive and interested in how and why things work their entire lives.
