Report cards will be posted on March 24th. Take a look at what your children have been learning this trimester In ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
4th GRADE:
ELA:
During the second trimester in ELA, we have focused our reading comprehension strategies on nonfiction text. In addition to building our reading stamina for this unique genre, we have worked on identifying text structures to determine importance in order to facilitate research, note taking, summarizing, as well as comprehension. Publishing personal essays, with continued focus on the author's craft, as well as mechanics, has been the central goal of the writing process.
MATH:
This trimester in math the students focused on fractions. The fourth grade started their unit by comparing fractions and finding equivalent fractions. They learned how to use a number line to compare fractions. They also worked with finding multiples and common denominators to compare fractions. Fourth graders also learned to add and subtract fractions and are working on multiplying fractions by whole numbers. In 5th grade, they multiplied and divided fractions as well as reviewed the concepts from 4th grade.
SCIENCE:
In Science, the students investigated the pattern of volcanoes and earthquakes on the Earth. First, to gather evidence, the students analyzed earthquake and volcano data from the USGS. They interpreted the data to look for patterns of volcano and earthquake locations on Earth. They also gathered evidence from additional nonfiction texts and videos. Finally, the students used this data to create scientific models and then wrote an evidence-based scientific explanation to explain why earthquakes and volcanoes occur primarily around the edges of the Pacific Ocean.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
In 4th grade Social Studies this marking period, we've been exploring how the cultures, climate, and geography of the Southeast and Midwest regions have shaped the history, traditions and economies of both areas and how social studies can help us to better understand how people are similar and different in each region of our county.
5th GRADE:
ELA:
In 5th grade reading, the students focused on informational text structures and author’s craft, drawing conclusions, and supporting their thinking with text evidence and meaningful explanations. Locating the main idea, supporting details, and summarizing were also focus areas. In addition, students worked to compare texts and use meaningful evidence to explain their conclusions. In 5th grade writing, students generated an essential question to drive their research, and developed sub topics for their research-based article. Students used the text structures to support note-taking, and then wrote articles that clearly answered the essential research question and included meaningful information to inform the reader.
MATH:
In 5th grade math, students performed calculations involving multiplication and division of decimals using the standard algorithm. Students have practiced strategies for finding equivalent fractions and then adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators. 5th grade students have also multiplied fractions and mixed numbers and have begun building strategies for dividing with unit fractions.
SCIENCE:
In science the students investigated air, a type of matter so small that it cannot be seen. First, to gather evidence about the effects of air, the students conducted a hands-on experiment where they placed cups upside-down underwater. They observed that the cups stayed dry and explained that the force of air on the water caused the cup to remain dry inside. Students also gathered evidence from various nonfiction texts and videos and conducted two online experiments. Finally, the students used this data to create scientific models and then wrote an evidence-based scientific explanation to explain how the force of air affects other types of matter within its system.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
In 5th grade Social Studies this marking period, we've been using historical thinking skills and practices to explore different events and experiences of the American Revolution as well as the historical context of the US Constitution. In the process, we'll examine the branches of government defined by the Constitution and how basic rights and freedoms are protected by the Bill of Rights.
