Grade 5

Math

In math, our learning is closely connected to our IB unit as we explore how experience can create change—especially in how we think and problem-solve. As students build on their prior knowledge of place value, they are diving into powers of 10 and exponents, discovering how patterns in numbers help simplify complex problems. This ties directly into our work with metric conversions, where understanding the base-10 system allows for efficient and accurate calculations. We’re also developing our mathematical skills through adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals, reinforcing the importance of being reflective and balanced learners. Just as in our IB unit, students are seeing that with practice and perseverance, their skills grow—and their experience truly leads to meaningful academic progress.

Wonders

Our work in Wonders has connected to our IB unit, as we continue exploring how experience can create change—especially in how we see the world and understand our needs. Through our essential questions, “How can experiencing nature change the way you think about it?” and “How do we get the things we need?”, students engaged with narrative nonfiction texts, primary and secondary sources, and built vocabulary to deepen their understanding of human interaction with nature and resources. Using graphic organizers helped students become more reflective and communicative as they organized their thoughts and made connections between ideas. Just as in our Unit of Inquiry, students saw how experiences—whether through reading, observation, or research—can shift perspectives and lead to new understanding.

Science

In science, our exploration of air and Earth’s atmosphere ties directly into our IB theme that experience can create change, especially in how we understand the world around us. As we investigate questions like “What are the properties of air and Earth’s atmosphere?” and “How can you explain the difference in temperatures of air, land, and water?”, students are using hands-on experiences to build scientific understanding. Through our syringe and tubing investigation, students observed air pressure in action, discovering that even invisible forces like air can have a powerful impact—mirroring how unseen experiences can shape our thinking. By being risk-takers in experimenting, communicators in sharing observations, and reflective in analyzing results, students are seeing how science is not just about facts, but about experiences that lead to deeper learning and change.

Social Studies

In social studies, our study of maps and Indigenous tribes in America, especially those from the New York City area, connects deeply to our IB central idea that experience can create change. As students explore how geography shaped the lives of Indigenous peoples and how their cultures developed in connection with the land, they begin to understand how identity and experience are influenced by environment and history. Using maps to analyze locations, natural resources, and movement, students are practicing being reflective and balanced thinkers, while also becoming communicators as they discuss the impact of colonization and cultural change. Learning about the traditions and contributions of Indigenous communities helps students see how different experiences shape diverse identities and how those identities continue to influence the communities we live in today.