Fifth grade is a self contained classroom unit. There is one main teacher for social studies, science and religion. The students are split into two groups for math and reading/language arts and have the opportunity to participate in P.E., Spanish, art and music.
Curriculum
Language Arts
- Students in the fifth grade will expand and deepen concepts, skills and strategies learned in previous grades. They will make new connections as they experience more sophisticated ideas and begin to study subjects in a more formalized way. Fifth grade students will read and write a variety of texts with greater breadth and depth. Catholic Social Teachings are embedded in reading selections and writing. In addition, students will analyze and evaluate information and ideas. As fifth graders revisit and refine concept about the language arts conventions, they will become more sophisticated and independent learners.
Mathematics
- Add/subtract/multiply/divide fractions and decimals
- Convert between decimals, fractions and percents
- Compare/simplify fractions and decimals
- Write decimals as fractions and percents
- Apply order of operations
- Find greatest common factor, least common factor and least common denominator
- Read, write and plot positive and negative numbers on a number line
- Use bar/line/pie graphs to show statistical data
- Write and evaluate simple algebraic expressions with one variable.
- Write and solve word problems
- Explore basic geometry
- Explore basic measurement – convert measurements within the same system, read a thermometer and measure length in customary and metric units
- Use appropriate statistical methods to interpret data – use mean, median, mode and range, interpret table and graphs and determine probability and express as fractions
Science
- Students in fifth grade will determine that all living and non-living systems are made up of smaller parts and/or processes. The exploration of systems will develop students’ higher-order thinking skills as students investigate how interrelated parts work together (part to whole).
- Students will discover that systems are virtually everywhere. In-depth investigation should begin with those systems with which students are most familiar (e.g. playground, mall, theme park, etc.).
Social Studies – United States Studies
- Students will examine the inheritance of the British system and the practices of self-government, individual rights and representative government. The United States Studies will begin with the British settlement of Virginia at James Towne in 1607 and will conclude with the Treaty of Paris on 1783.
Religion
- God shares His life and His love with us in the sacraments. Through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, we are initiated as members of God’s family. Through Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, we are healed and strengthened. Through the sacraments of service, Holy Orders and Matrimony, we celebrate God’s call to live our lives in loving service to others.
Click here for the complete Diocesan Curriculum.
Enrichment
- Art
- Music
- P.E.
- Library/Computer
- Spanish
Special Activities and Celebrations
- Investigate simple machines using Legos
- Vocation Awareness Day
- Operation Aware