Patterning & Algebra
Grade 5: Patterning & Algebra
Representing a pattern using a table of values; predicting terms in a pattern; determining the missing numbers in equations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division and one- or two-digit numbers; investigating variables as unknown quantities; demonstrating equality using multiplication or division in equations with unknown quantities on both sides.
Nature Journaler: @billiejooutdoors
Nature Journaling: I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of...
Nature Journaling is an incredible tool for students to look for patterns in nature. Information can be gathered from the area of study and applied to the concepts being taught in this section.
At this age all three prompts "I notice..., I wonder...?, and It reminds me of..." become very intuitive. However, the last statement becomes very important for making the connections. Encourage students to begin writing using single words, simple sentences, lists, point form, paragraphs and even poetry. Please note that spelling is not the focus in a nature journal. At this age you may start to see art fears - ensure you are re-iterating it is not about a pretty picture. It is about their observations. Please see the link below for tips on giving feedback. Using a combination of words, pictures and numbers allows the students multiple tools to document their observations. With permission Bethan Burton has allowed us to link to her website as she has written a blog post for Teaching nature journaling at all ages.
Here are some more ideas to get you started.
Engage the fives senses (whenever possible)
Make leaf prints ( paint the leaf and press the print into the journal)
Make leaf rubbings
Trace the items they are looking at
Add leaves into the journal using tape
Count the birds/squirrels/insects etc.
Measure as much of the phenomena as the students can using non standard and standard units of measurement.
Here is a downloadable lesson from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. All resources shared with permission. "I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of..."
GIVING FEEDBACK here is a fantastic resource from Jack and Emilie
NOTE: You are encouraged to spend time in the outdoors Nature Journaling. However, you can also bring nature inside, look out your wonder window, have a refrigerator Safari or even observe a house plant or pet.
Nature Journaling: Biodiversity Inventory
In the activity Biodiversity Inventory from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren's book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. "Students record the diversity of species in two study areas and use graphs and diversity indices to describe and analyze the data."
All resources shared with permission.
Curriculum Links:
Nature Journaling: Collection or Field Guide
In the activity Collection or Field Guide from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren's book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. "Students make a field guide or “collection” of things within a focused category, such as leaf types, rocks in a stream, things that are red, or tracks."
All resources shared with permission.
Curriculum Links:
Pick Up Sticks
If you have the resources, go outside and pick up sticks you find on the ground. With the sticks make a pattern that starts at 3 and adds 3 each time. Can you make another pattern with other natural materials you find outside? What is the pattern for each stage?
Look at the materials you have used. Where did they come from? Were they always in that place or do you have any ideas about how they got there? Do they have a lifecycle? Were they every a different size or shape? Think about it!
NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.