Fifth Grade Math and Science News

Grade 5 Math and Science with Ms. Brittain

The fifth grade students have made wonderful progress during the first six weeks of the school year. It has been an exciting journey as we have settled into our classroom routines, are working towards a strong sense of community, and have even established our very own "Class Constitution" to guide our behavior and values. The students have shown dedication and enthusiasm, working hard on their curriculum. I am proud of them and I'm looking forward to the exciting learning adventures ahead. Thank you for your continued support in making our classroom a vibrant and nurturing environment for our young scholars.

Curriculum Corner

Math

We began the school year with the study of volume to review skills and concepts related to multiplication. Students explored factor pairs, multiples, numeral expressions and equations. We reviewed multiplication and division strategies. We took our first assessment on Unit 1 last week. In Unit 2, we will learn about addition and subtraction with fractions with unlike denominators. Students will use a variety of strategies to find common denominators including the use of money and clocks. These concepts will help us to make connections and find common denominators. I have included the Bridges, Unit 2, Parent letter for further explanation. Please just click the button below.

Science

In Science, we continue our study of Matter. We learned that substances are made from particles, composed from atoms combining to form molecules. We have explored the particle nature of matter. Next, we will study the properties of matter and through an experiment, we will discover how mass is conserved even after a phase change. As we progress through the unit, we will investigate chemical reactions verses mixtures. Students will understand the movement of particles in gases, liquids and solids and be able to draw a particle model of matter in the three states.

Bridges Unit 2 Parent Letter

What to Do to Help Support the Math Curriculum

Math

Multiplication Strategies and Facts:

It is beneficial for all students to review their multiplication and division facts. Students can use flashcards, worksheets, on-line math games or have another person quiz them on their facts. It is important for your child to know their facts as it will be beneficial as we progress through the fifth-grade math curriculum. If your student is still learning about the concept of multiplication you can practice by grouping M&M's in various sets to solidify the concept.

Fractions:

Fractions will continue to be an important fifth grade math topic. We will practice adding and subtracting fraction with like and unlike denominators in the next few weeks. Later, we will learn to multiply and divide with fractions. Any exposure at home is helpful. Students will find they can practice these skills when cooking with family or even measuring when helping to build home projects. A solid way to practice adding or subtracting fractions would be by using clock faces to show fractions and also by thinking about money. One quarter is 1/4 of a dollar, 2 quarters is 1/2, 3 is 3/4 and 4 quarters is 4/4 or 1 whole.

I have included the three Work Place Games we will learn in Unit 2. Please have your child show you how to play as we progress through the unit.

What to Do to Help Support the Science Curriculum

In our study of matter we will be discussing and exploring physical and chemical changes. Below is an explanation that may help foster discussions with your student as you complete typical household activities.

Physical/Chemical Changes

You can discuss physical changes with your child and use real world examples like melting an ice cube, crumpling up tin foil or boiling water. Physical changes are changes in appearance only, a new substance is not created and physical properties remain the same. Most mixtures are physical changes, for example adding sugar to tea.. You and your child may also notice chemical changes. Chemical changes create new substances. Chemical changes have indicators or clues like burning/fire, temperature change without heating or cooling, an explosion, color or odor change, seeing bubbles or fizzing. Every day examples are boiling an egg, burning wood in the wood stove or baking a cake!