SCIENCE

Oceanography is the theme for the year in 5th grade science. We will learn about geology, matter, light, sound, cells, and classification through the study of the ocean. Additionally, as this is an SOL year for science, we will spend time reviewing concepts from 4th grade including electricity, motion, plants, and the solar system.

ABOUT FIFTH GRADE.... CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/NORMS: Each class will work together to form classroom expectations that will then be posted in the classroom. HOMEWORK POLICY: Students are expected to complete all homework assignments. GRADING SCALE: A+= 98-100 A= 92-97 A-= 90-91 B+= 88-89 B= 82-87 B-= 80-81 C+= 78-79 C= 72-77 C-= 70-71 D+= 68-69 D= 62-67 D-= 60-61 F= 59 and below

Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School

Fifth Grade 2011-2012

Overview of Course by Quarter:

First Quarter Introduction to Scientific Investigation Geology o The Rock Cycle o Composition and history of the Earth o Forces that change the Earth Second Quarter Matter

Each team is named after zones of the ocean!

Periodic Table of Elements Characteristics of matter

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Tidal Flats Ms. Partridge, Mrs. Varshneya The Sunlight Zone Ms. Blandford, Mr. Lo, Mr. Malone The Twilight Zone Miss Dengler, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Mendenhall The Abyss Mr. Andrews, Ms. Mueller EDUCATIONAL PHIILOSOPHY: We will collaborate to develop an innovative, integrated, and challenging curriculum which is relevant to the diverse and creative needs of our fifth graders.

Third Quarter Sound

Leah Partridge
Fun Facts: Characteristics and behavior of sound waves Characteristics and behavior of light waves Basic cell structure and functions Microscopes
Coaches Mason Mustangs JV Girls Soccer Grew up in northern Vermont Loves the outdoors

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Light

Cells

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Contact Information: partridgel@fccps.org (703) 720-5791 https://sites.google.com/site/misspartrid ges5thgradeclass/ Lynn Varshneya

Fun Facts:
Has a dog named Pearl Native Californian, lived through 25 + earthquakes Lives on a lake

Fourth Quarter Classification o Kingdoms of living things o Sea Creature Project! Review for the SOL

Scientific Investigation:
Throughout the year, we will continue to explore the components of scientific investigation through various experiments and demonstrations in the classroom.

Contact Information: varshneyal@fccps.org (703) 720 5764 http://www.varshneyal.webs.com/

LANGUAGE ARTS
In 5th grade, reading and writing skills continue to support content area learning. The students will continue to develop an appreciation for literature by reading a variety of genres and to increase communication skills using online, print, and media resources.

MATH
In 5th Grade Mathematics, students will develop number sense and demonstrate proficiency in using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals to solve problems. We will transition from exploring mathematical concepts using hands-on materials to more abstract math that builds a foundation for algebra. Our pacing guide is based on the Virginia Grade 5 Mathematics standards. Teachers develop differentiated lesson plans to meet the needs of the students in each class. Overview of Course by Quarter First Quarter Graphing: Collecting, organizing, displaying data Data Analysis: Median, Mean, Mode, and Range Decimals and Place Value Second Quarter Multiplication and division with whole numbers and decimals Third Quarter Fractions: Adding and subtracting with like and unlike denominators. Probability Fourth Quarter Geometry: properties 2-D geometric shapes Skills we will develop during the year: Using variables to represent unknown values in an expression Solving for a single variables in an equation Measurement: US Customary and Metric

SOCIAL STUDIES
In 5th grade, students will learn the U.S. History I curriculum which begins with the early inhabitants of North America and ends with the Civil War. Throughout the year, students will use maps, atlases, political cartoons, biographies, and other texts to help them develop connections between the past and the present. Overview of Course by Quarter: First Quarter Geography (continents, bodies of water, landforms, and the eight Geographic Regions) Native Americans Explorers of North America Second Quarter Colonization of North America Revolutionary War Third Quarter Birth of Our Nation Westward Expansion Abolitionists and Women Suffragists Civil War Fourth Quarter Civil War Review for the SOL Skills we will develop during the year: Identifying historical figures Map reading Locating and identifying the 50 United States Interpreting political and societal cartoons Comparing past and present issues of our nation

Overview of Course by Quarter: First Quarter

Reading

Use background knowledge to connect to texts

Determine the most important information depending on the purpose for reading Ask questions to set guidelines for learning Identify and audience and format for writing Brainstorm and plan ideas prior to writing Organized main idea and details to support a central Writing

idea

Second Quarter
Reading

Organize key ideas from the text, world and self to create a deeper meaning Identify patterns and structures within texts Write a clear topic sentence Use descriptive vocabulary to create voice Revise for clarity Collect information to develop meaningful notes Writing

Third Quarter
Reading

text Writing

Summarize a text using main ideas and details Identify confusing parts of texts Use comprehension strategies to make meaning from

Write multi-paragraph compositions Use transition words to vary sentence structure

Fourth Quarter
Reading Draw conclusions and make inferences by combining clues from the text with personal experiences Writing

Use technology to gather and share information using a variety of media