Centre Ridge ES-5thgradeinfo

Language Arts Program Overview
The language arts curriculum includes objectives that support students’ development in the skills of reading, writing, and oral language. These skills are developed through direct instruction, modeling by teachers, and guided practice. Teachers plan a balance of learning experiences which build upon oral language and include fiction, informational text, and use of language arts skills in other content areas.

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).
At the end of fifth grade, students in Fairfax County and throughout Virginia particpate in SOL testing.

In fifth grade Language Arts, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:

Reading
*discuss and apply strategies to solve problems while reading, such as rereading, adjusting reading rate, stopping to review, and using prior knowledge

*use understanding of author’s craft, development of plot and characters, and structure of a variety of informational texts, including textbooks, to aid comprehension

*respond to genres that reflect varying cultures and historical periods, including poetry

*use context and resources to learn and verify meaning of new vocabulary related to literature and content area study, including figurative language

*discuss and apply knowledge of structural analysis and author’s word choice to extend understanding

*locate information from several sources using features of nonfiction, including graphics, and search strategies for available technology

*support opinions with statements from text or return to text to verify information

*ask why, if, and how questions to understand the author’s message, moral, or lesson

Writing
*write in a variety of genres, including responses to a variety of genres

*organize and revise writing for content and logical sequence around a main idea for specific audiences

*revise to capture reader’s interest, use vivid and specific language, and find synonyms for overused words

*vary sentence structure, word order, and sentence length when forming paragraphs

*demonstrate functional use of parts of speech, including subject-verb agreement

*apply knowledge of spelling generalizations, including word study and the nature of the English language

*edit for capitalization, punctuation, spelling (including homophones), and complete sentences

*compile information from several sources and organize informational

Oral Language
*create and participate in choral readings and dramatic interpretations of literature

*incorporate new vocabulary learned during read-aloud and content study discussions

*ask for justification, retell, present information, support opinions with personal experience or fact, and persuade others in various classroom settings

Mathematics Program Overview
Fifth grade students extend their understanding of number to billions, including the use of exponential notation; relate number theory concepts to operations on rational numbers; compare, contrast, and define the intent and characteristics of the four operations, including properties; and become proficient in using multiplication and division procedures. They estimate and measure length, volume, and capacity; use measuring tools; investigate circle measures; continue transformational geometry; and identify attributes of solids. Fifth graders also collect, display, and analyze data and make predictions. They organize, record, and interpret results of simple probability experiments; identify and extend growth patterns; and solve equations with one variable.

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
At the end of fifth grade, students in Fairfax County and throughout Virginia particpate in SOL testing.

In fifth grade Mathematics, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:

Number Concepts, Theory, Sense
* Explain the relationship (including the use of exponential notation) among place values of numbers up to one billion.
EXT: Compare and contrast ancient numeration systems and compare with our Hindu-Arabic system.

*Compare, contrast, and define the intent and characteristics of the four operations including associative property, commutative property, properties of 0 and 1, inverse operations, and similarities.

*Explain/show the use of the distributive property to multiply a 1-digit number by a 2- or 3-digit number.

*Choose an appropriate estimation strategy (compatible numbers, rounding, front end, clustering, or using a referent) to fit a given situation.
EXT: Compare estimation strategies, including rounding and front end estimation, for finding total cost.

*Identify and find multiples, common multiples, composite, and prime numbers. Find the Greatest Common Factor and the Least Common Multiple. Use the rules of divisibility for 2, 3, 5, and 10.
EXT: Investigate, develop, and use the rules of divisibility for the numbers 4, 6, 8, and 9.

*Analyze and rename mixed numbers to fractions in the form a/b and do the reverse.

*Read, write, compare, order, and round decimals through the ten thousandths place.

*Understand the relationship between fractions and decimals and convert one to the other through hundredths.

*Investigate positive rational numbers including decimals, ratios, fractions, and percents in problem-solving settings.
EXT: Convert one to the other.

Operations
*Add and subtract any whole numbers.
EXT: Add and subtract money amounts by simulating deposits and withdrawals from a savings account.

*Estimate products. Multiply whole numbers with 2 digits in one factor and 3 digits in the other. Recognize the use of properties.

*Estimate quotients. Divide by 1-digit divisors.
EXT: Investigate and interpret remainders in problem-solving settings.

*Find an estimated quotient using multiplication and place value to solve problems with 2-digit divisors. Divide by 2-digit divisors. Recognize alternative ways to express remainders.
EXT: Find unit prices and determine best buys by using estimation and division.

*Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with the same and different denominators.

*Estimate products. Multiply fractions and whole numbers by fractions.
EXT: Demonstrate with physical materials and record division of whole numbers and fractions by fractions.

*Estimate products. Multiply a 2-digit decimal by a 2-digit whole number.
EXT: Estimate products. Multiply a decimal number by a decimal number.

*Estimate products. Mentally multiply a decimal (tenths, hundredths, and thousandths) by 10 and 100.
EXT: Mentally divide a decimal number by 10 and 100.

Measurement
*Measure to the nearest eighth of an inch and to the nearest millimeter including objects longer than the measuring tool.

*Estimate and measure mass (ounces, pounds, tons, grams, and kilograms) and capacity (pints, cups, quarts, gallons, liters, milliliters, and cubic centimeters).

*Develop strategies for finding and estimating the perimeter and area of polygons.
EXT: Develop formulas for perimeter and area.

*Investigate the relationship of diameter to circumference and to radius.
EXT: Use C = ¼ x d to find circumference.

*Develop the formula for finding the volume of rectangular prisms.
EXT: Find the volume of irregular solids made of cubes (e.g., staircase).

*Draw and measure angles using a protractor and a straightedge.

Geometry
*Describe, draw, and label points, lines, line segments, rays, angles, perpendicular lines, parallel lines, and lines of symmetry.

*Classify angles as acute, right, or obtuse, and triangles by angles and/or sides.

*Identify parts of a circle including diameter, radius, circumference, arcs, chords, and center.

*Review locating and naming points using coordinates and a grid.
EXT: Relate using longitude and latitude to locate points on a map or globe to using ordered pairs.

*Classify solids and identify the number of faces, edges, and vertices.
EXT: Investigate and explain the relationship between faces, edges, and vertices of polyhedrons (e.g., prisms, pyramids, and cylinders).

*Identify slides, flips, and rotations; build tessellations with congruent shapes using slides, flips, and rotations.

Data Analysis/Statistics/Probability
*Read, collect, and interpret data; make bar graphs, multibar graphs, line plots, and line graphs.
EXT: Synthesize data from 2 or more kinds of graphs.

*Solve real-life problems by applying the skills of data gathering, graphing, and computation. Graph data using computer programs.
EXT: Investigate the use of spreadsheets to organize data.

*Explain the concept of average; find the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data.

*Conduct surveys and analyze the data to make predictions.
EXT: Verify predictions by continued experimenting.

*Determine the probability of multiple, exclusive outcomes within a single event by making tree diagrams; express probabilities as fractions.

*Solve problems by finding possible outcomes and interpreting chance in real-life contexts.
EXT: Conduct experiments to verify predicted probabilities.

*Investigate and determine elements that affect fairness in game settings.
EXT: Investigate how probability factors affect strategy games by playing strategy games.

Patterns/Functions/Algebra
*Solve simple equations for missing addends or missing factors.

*Identify and extend addition and multiplication patterns including perfect squares, trinumbers, quadrinumbers, and hexinumbers.

*Multiply and divide by tens and multiples of ten by using patterns, multiplication properties, and mental math.

*Choose and write equations with 1 variable to solve real-life problems (e.g., x - 5 = 32).
EXT: Write a word problem to match a given equation.

*Complete a chart showing input and output when given a function rule.

Problem Solving/Application
*Pose problems from everyday life situations and from within and outside mathematics.
EXT: Simplify problem solving by using computer software (e.g., spreadsheet, graphing program).

*Identify information that is available but not needed to solve a problem or additional information needed to solve a problem.

*Select and use appropriate materials and tools needed to solve a problem (e.g., calculator, graph paper, manipulatives).

*Develop and apply operations and strategies (e.g., act it out, build a model, draw a picture or diagram, guess and check, make a chart or table, make a list, make a graph, use a pattern, use logical reasoning, solve a simpler problem, work backward) to solve a wide variety of nonroutine and multistep routine problems.
EXT: Create a poster that defines and explains one of the strategies and includes one or more problems that appropriately exemplify the strategy.

*Solve problems by working collaboratively with peers; entertain others' points of view.

*Share, explain (verbalize/record), and justify (defend) reasoning during and after solving a problem.

*Verify and interpret results with respect to the original problem situation. Compare and analyze solution paths (process used to solve problems).

*Generalize solutions and strategies to new problem situations including problems without numbers (e.g., If I want to know how many miles to the gallon my car gets, what information do I need and then what should I do?).

Science Program Overview
The Fairfax County Elementary Science Program of Studies is a hands-on or experiential curriculum designed to provide students with a basic understanding of Earth and space, life, and physical science concepts. Students develop a solid base of science knowledge, apply learned knowledge to solve problems, communicate information, use experimental design, and make connections to science in our everyday world. The program materials include activity-centered units, science trade books, Windows on Science™ videodiscs, and specific web sites correlated to each science unit.

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
At the end of fifth grade, students in Fairfax County and throughout Virginia particpate in SOL testing.

5.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which:
a) rocks, minerals, and organisms are identified using a classification key;
b) estimations of length, mass, and volume are made;
c) appropriate instruments are selected and used for making quantitative observations of length, mass, volume, and elapsed time;
d) accurate measurements are made using basic tools (thermometer, meter stick, balance, graduated cylinder);
e) data are collected, recorded, and reported using the appropriate graphical representation (graphs, charts, diagrams);
f) predictions are made using patterns, and simple graphical data are extrapolated;
g) manipulated and responding variables are identified;
h) an understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced.

5.7 The student will investigate and understand how the Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Key concepts include:
a) the rock cycle including identification of rock types;
b) Earth history and fossil evidence;
c) the basic structure of the Earth’s interior;
d) plate tectonics (earthquakes and volcanoes);
e) weathering and erosion;
f) human impact.

5.6 The student will investigate and understand characteristics of the ocean environment. Key concepts include: a)geological characteristics (continental shelf, slope, rise);
b)physical characteristics (depth, salinity, major currents);
c)biological characteristics (ecosystems);
d)public policy decisions related to the ocean environment (assessment of marine organism populations, pollution prevention).

5.5 The student will investigate and understand that organisms are made of cells and have distinguishing characteristics. Key concepts include:
a)parts of a cell;
b)five kingdoms of living things;
c)vascular and nonvascular plants;
d) vertebrates and invertebrates.

5.2 The student will investigate and understand how sound is transmitted and is used as a means of communication. Key concepts include:
a) frequency, waves, wavelength, vibration;
b) the ability of different media (solids, liquids, and gases) to transmit sound;
c) uses and applications (voice, sonar, animal sounds, and musical instruments).

5.3 The student will investigate and understand basic characteristics of visible light and how it behaves. Key concepts include:
a) the visible spectrum and light waves;
b) refraction of light through water and prisms;
c) reflection of light from reflective surfaces (mirrors);
d) opaque, transparent, and translucent;
e) historical contributions in understanding light.

5.4 The student will investigate and understand that matter is anything that has mass, takes up space, and occurs as a solid, liquid, or gas. Key concepts include:
a) atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds;
b) mixtures including solutions;
c) the effect of heat on the states of matter.

5.5 The student will investigate and understand that organisms are made of cells and have distinguishing characteristics. Key concepts include:
a) basic cell structures and functions;
b) kingdoms of living things;
c) vascular and nonvascular plants;
d) vertebrates and invertebrates.

Social Studies Program Overview
Social studies instruction incorporates the four strands of history, geography, civics, and economics while students learn about world civilizations. Students study the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and a contemporary African, Asian, or Latin American society.

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
No SOL Test in Social Studies for 5th Grade

*study people and cultures of different societies throughtout history
*examine basic needs, contributions, and achievements of different cultures
*describe how ways of life change with time and complexity of cultures
*analyze the extent to which exploration, inventions, art, language, math, and government of past societies have influenced contemporary American society
*research and enterpret historical information using literature, technology, and primary sources
*develop strategies for organizing, analyzing, and communicating information pertaining to past and present cultures, and for integrating the concepts learned

*acquire understanding of concepts and terminology of physical and human geography; locate and describe civilizations under study using appropriate map tools
*describe how humans interact with and adapt to their environment, incorporating an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships people have with Earth's physical features and processes
*determine the impact of geography, environment, and weather patterns on settlement and cultural development of world civilzations
*use a variety of resources and geographic tools to gather, interpret, and begin to evaluate information from geographic data
*manipulate elements such as scale, latitude, and logitude to create maps

· demonstrate respect for the American flag by saying the Pledge of Allegiance
*examine the organization of a society and discuss the relationship between group needs and individual freedom
*compare and contrast political systems of other societies to understand the American system
*explore the roles of all individuals as determined by the laws, traditions, and customs of their society
*apply knowledge of history and civics to make decisions and solve problems; recognize that political ideals and beliefs of one culture influence those of another in a later period of history

*demonstrate an understanding of the economic concepts that apply to the societies under study
*explore trade as a system of movement of goods and ideas
*learn that human survival depends on all of Earth's resources
*compare and contrast various economic systems of past and present cultures
*examine how resources, scarcity, supply and demand, production, and networks of economic interdependence affect individuals in historical and contemporary societies

Volvox	Solar System	New Takes on Old Tales	Great Zimbabwe
Phases of the Moon	Cells Alive	Math Practice	Ancient Greece
Volcano Observatory	National Aquarium Baltimore	Math Games	Middle Ages
Earthquakes	Monterey Bay Aquarium	Maya for Kids	Renaissance

Curator: Pat Wilson - pawilson@fcps.edu
Last Updated: August 7, 2006