Math - In Math 5 students have been working on Unit 1 where they have been investigating characteristics of prime and composite numbers as well as odd and even numbers.  We have begun Unit 2 to work on deepening our understanding of fractions and decimals.  Students will use models and benchmarks (0, ½, 1) to compare, round, and order values. Practice those multiplication facts, as they will be used often.  

 

In Math 6, we will continue our second unit on fractions and decimals. Students will add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and decimals.  Practice those math facts, as they will be used on a daily basis!  We will use the online math textbook to work with real-world examples.

 

Science - Our science unit for this quarter is landforms. Throughout the quarter students will learn about the following concepts: the basic layers of the Earth and the characteristics of each layer, continental drift in relation to fossil and geological evidence, the physical results of plate tectonics on the Earth's surface by analyzing locations of earthquakes and volcanoes, how fossils show evidence of the Earth's history and Virginia's history, how rocks are formed and changed within the rock cycle, the characteristics of physical and chemical weathering and their effect on landforms, and finally the characteristics of erosion, both natural and man-made, and its effects on landforms.  Students will learn about erosion through a PBL project.  Our driving question will be: How can you, as a civil engineer, design erosion protection for a homeowner’s beachfront property?

 

Social Studies – The entire fifth grade launched our first social studies unit with a creative investigation of ancient civilizations.  Students will experience a visualization exercise in order for students to feel as if they’re a part of the past.  Once they have some background knowledge about Mesopotamia and early man, the students will discuss cultural universals and apply these ideas to create their own book of artifacts, “The Forgotten Room.”

 

Language Arts - In Language Arts, we will continue building our classroom communities of readers and writers.  We have been reading fiction works and developing deeper understanding of characters.  In writing, we are beginning to explore memoirs, where students will write stories that communicate a lesson that they have learned through their personal experiences. Students have started the year off strong with reading at home and documenting their progress in their reading logs.

 

 

Important Classroom Dates

14  Columbus Day – Student Holiday

18  Cultural Arts Assembly

16  In-house Qualcomm field trip to the CL3 (Mrs. Bush’s math/LA class only)

21  Field trip to the National Air & Space Museum (Ms. Cubbage’s homeroom class only)

23  Field trip to the National Air & Space Museum (Ms. Klima’s homeroom class only)

24  In-house Qualcomm field trip to the CL3 (Ms. Klima’s math/LA class only)

25  Field trip to the National Air & Space Museum (Mrs. Bush’s homeroom class only)

28  In-house Qualcomm field trip to the CL3 (Ms. Cubbage’s math/LA class only)