Academics
Students should have come to fifth grade having mastered grade-level reading skills in fluency and comprehension of complex text; they can write a structured paragraph with appropriate detail as well as a 3-paragraph essay; they can add/subtract fractions with like denominators and decimals, multiply large numbers, solve simple number models with algebraic thinking, and collect/organize data in tables, charts, or graphs; use scientific analysis to conduct experiments in physical and life sciences; and utilize map and globe skills.
By the end of fifth grade, students will have:
Higher level listening comprehension and oral expression
Higher level skills in vocabulary and spelling acquired through extensive reading and writing
Higher-level writing skills in grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph structure
Higher-level written communication skills
Research skills - organizing a research report, using media, library skills, bibliographies
Higher-level math skills: divide whole numbers, with and without remainders; advanced number patterns; add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and decimals; use strategies to compute perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, and parallelograms; solve algebra sentences involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Experience with application of the scientific method; knowledge of human body including reproductive systems
General knowledge of United States history through the Constitution.
Subsequent pages on this site will give more information on each subject, including content, benchmarks, and specific projects that fifth graders will complete throughout the year.