A February of fun and change
At this point in the school year, fifth grade students are inquisitive, engaging, and striving to take on new responsibilities, both academic and social. They are beginning to develop personal characteristics and methods for dealing with different situations. The challenges they face dealing with a combination of academic and social development issues can be emotional. This is part of their natural adolescent development, and it is important to continually provide them with guidance and support.
The fifth grade has been very busy refining their understanding of past math concepts by applying them to new ones that they are learning. As they work to build a comfortable level of understanding and real world application, they will appreciate the value of their knowledge. They are applying their knowledge of fractions to solve metric and customary measurement problems of length, time, and weight. The problems are increasingly difficult because they require multiple steps, precise calculations, and accurate data collection. In geometry we are learning about the different characteristics of geometric shapes -- their angles, perimeter, and area. During this month and next month, there will be a strong emphasis on reviewing what we have learned from the beginning of the year to prepare us for the SAT test in the middle of April.
In earth science, we have taken our study of elements to the next stage by researching what elements are available in the different regions of North America and how we can best use and conserve them. In physical science, we are studying the states of matter and how molecules react under different conditions. In life science, we have begun to study the life processes, starting with plant cells. Research experiments requiring the use of the scientific method will be performed weekly to encourage the students to ask questions and explore new ideas. These inquiry-based activities will help students understand the world they live in and how they can try to make it better.
Posted on February 26, 2007 1:38 PM | Permalink