Bridges

Unit 2 focuses on adding and subtracting fractions. Students start by using money and time to help find common denominators and are introduced to the concept of double number lines. They will gain experience solving fraction story problems and work with finding the freatest common factors and least common multiples. 

Module 1:  The year begins with a focus on adding and subtracting fractions using clocks and money as models. Students will work with fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions to help efficiently find common denominators and add and subtract fractions.

Module 2:  Students begin the Module working on multiplying whole numbers by fractions. They then work with double number lines to help efficiently add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators. Lastly, they investigate ratios as quotients and find equivalent fractions in order to add and subtract.

Module 3:  Students focus in on finding common denominators. They use visual models and tables to solve story problems by rewriting fractions with common denominaotrs in order to add and subtract.

Module 4:  In the final Module of the Unit students learn how to use the least common multiple to generate equivalent fractions and common denominators. They also learn how to simplify fractions and solve and discuss a variety of types of story problems. 

Unit 4 allows students a variety of strategies to solve problems that continue to develop their number sense. They will study multiplication and division strategies, to include the standrad algorithm, and relationships between fractions, decimals, and whole numbers. 

Module 1:  Students will grapple with the strategies for multiplying decimals and whole numbers using money as a model. They will participate in problems strings that emphasize the relationship between multiplication and division. 

Module 2:  Previously learned strategies are applied as students investigate multiplication and division with decimals to find the costs of making homemade items to sell. In this process they become familiar with the relationships between 1/4., 0.25, 4/5, and 0.75. 

Module 3:  Students review  all multiplication and division strategies as they work up to use of the standard algorithm. They will use the area model as the foundation for exploration of other strategies as they discuss what strategies are best for the different types of problems. 

Module 4:  Students continue to apply their skills  using multiplication and ratio tables to solve long division problems. They will move from using rectanglular arrays to open arrays as well as numeric recording to deepen their understanding. 

Unit 6 introduces students to many new geometric concepts. They coordiante graphing and use hierarchies to classify shapes as well as learn how to use standard formulas to measure prisms to find volume. The Unit also includes some breif overviews of multiplying fractions to keep refining their newly learned skills.

Module 1:  Students begin by building a variety of cube and tile arrangements on grid paper and include practice with the x and y axis. They will graph ordered pairs and use observations to discuss and understand relationships between numbers. 

Module 2:  This Unit's focus shifts to shape hierarchies as students study 2-D shapes and their properties. They learn to classify shapes based on their properties while conducting a review of all shapes and their properties, traingles and quadrilaterals are especially emphasized. 

Module 3:  Students explore rectanglular prisms and learn to measure dimesnions to find the volume. They learn the standards formula and work through a variety of problems involving fitting different sized materials inside of rectangular prisms. 

Module 4:  Fractions and mixed numbers are reviewed in the final Module of the Unit as students design flags and banners using ratio and proportion. The Unit culminates withs tudents designing their own flags as they determine length and width as well as dimensions of colored areas and the area in square feet.

Unit 8 incorporates science into math and has students using design principles to build scaled models houses with solar energy features. Students investigate scienceconcepts as they apply math skills learned throughout the year to measure, convert and graph ideas throughout the design process, culminating in the creation of floor plans for their homes.

Module 1:  Students begin by practicing reading a thermometer and converting between fahrenheit and celsius sclaes. They collect data to investigate the collection of solar energy and use spreadsheets to create line graphs as they build and test a model solar collector.

Module 2:  This Module moves to a study of earth materials and which ones collect and store solar energy most efficiently.  Teams build model houses and investigate insulating materials that they will test on their model houses. 

Module 3:  Students analyze the data they collected to determine the most efficient insulation materials. They then create solar collectors and experiment with variables as they plan, design, and build their solar houses. 

Module 4:  Finally, student teams test their homes and analyze their data. They complete observations and discussions to determine which houses captrued and stored the most heat and maintained heat the longest. Students put the finishing touches on their designs and prepare to share them with  friends and families.