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GRADE 5 CURRICULUM PAGE!

Below you will find a brief description overview of the Mars Area School District’s Grade 5 curriculum. To explore specific content areas and view unit descriptions alongside of the standards, simply click on the specific content name located to the right.

GRADE 5 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

English Language Arts (ELA)

Grade 5 English Language Arts (ELA) will challenge students, with a variety of opportunities, to improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Comprehension strategies will be applied to different genres and vocabulary strategies will be used to increase overall comprehension. Students will experience formal writing assignments and use writing to express their understanding of diverse selections of literature. In all situations, students will be asked to support their responses with text evidence.  

Mathematics

Grade 5 Mathematics concentrates on a variety of topics throughout the year. The four number operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, decimal numbers, and fractions are taught. Students are exposed to plane geometry, coordinate grid work, exponents, and patterns, in addition to reviewing the interpretation of statistical data. Students are exposed to mathematical vocabulary, as well as algebraic thinking, problem solving skills, and strategies which provide the foundations necessary for upper level math.

Science

Grade 5 Science is designed to challenge students as they continue their study of scientific exploration. Throughout the school year, students will explore biological and physical sciences. They will be given numerous opportunities to develop skills using the scientific method of investigation. Students will collaboratively design, build, test, and observe as part of a hands-on inquiry-based approach. This approach will allow students to recognize the role of science in their lives and its impact on their environment. Additionally, to support the concept that Engineering is Elementary (EiE), a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) unit, Water, Water Everywhere: Designing Water Filters, will be taught in conjunction with the Asset Science module Ecosystems. This EiE unit aims to increase student engagement in engineering with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and persistence in problem solving.                                  

Social Studies

Students in Grade 5 Social Studies will focus on American History. They will learn about the first inhabitants of the Americas. In addition, they will learn about the early European explorers and their great discoveries. Furthermore, students will learn about the organizing and settling of the original thirteen colonies. Students will explore and research this time period in history, through class discussions, technology usage, and the completion of various projects.

Art

Grade 5 Art provides students with the opportunity to use their imaginations and become creative problem solvers. Emphasis is placed on the creative process, as students consider how to use art as a means for personal expression and also a way to communicate ideas. The art elements and design principles will be taught through projects that explore a variety of methods such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.                                                 

Health

In Grade 5 Health, students will learn that health is always changing. The information they learn now and in the future, from all media sources presented, will help them be healthy and informed. The students will learn information and skills to remain healthy throughout their lives.  Students will be graded on participation and written assignments.

Library

Students will independently demonstrate an understanding of the functions and procedures of the library setting. Students will concentrate on learning and utilizing a variety of research strategies and grade appropriate resources. Students will work to become efficient and safe digital citizens when gathering information through the use of technology. Technology practice will assist students in selecting materials for both current and future academic research and personal enjoyment.  

Music

In Grade 5 Music, students will be introduced to choral singing. Students will perform a public concert in December and May. Students will sing in unison and in 2 part harmony and begin to learn proper vocal technique. Musical elements, including notes/rests, melody/harmony, beat/rhythm, time signature/key signature, tempo/dynamics, and sight reading, will be taught within the choral pieces chosen each semester. The students will learn life lessons such as: teamwork, expression, commitment, risk taking, respect, patience, and a positive mental attitude.

Physical Education

Students in this course are introduced to various skills and techniques used to participate in team sports, cooperative games, and fitness activities. They will show an understanding of the rules, penalties, and procedures needed to perform sports such as football, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, team handball, tennis, and basketball. Students will need to wear the proper attire, including appropriate athletic shoes, to participate in daily class activities. Students will be graded on active participation and proper attire.   

STEAM (K-6)

Mars Area School District's Elementary (K-6) STEAM Program is an authentic and engaging learning environment that challenges students to problem-solve through innovation, imagination, and creation. Students learn through a progression of skills aligned to the K-6 curriculum through the collaborative use of multi-media tools, computational thinking, and tinkering. STEAM instruction focuses on an integrated blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Students work collaboratively on projects that extend learning beyond curriculum content by tinkering/designing with tools and various materials as well as through coding and programming. STEAM classrooms at each elementary building are designed to promote teamwork and innovation in a high-tech maker space. Accessibility to iPads, robotics, building materials and resources enable students to hit their peak of curiosity and creativity.

 

Band (optional)

This is the first opportunity for students to pick a musical instrument and play in a band. Students will enjoy making music together during their weekly small group lesson and weekly large ensemble rehearsal. They will learn notes, rhythms, and ensemble techniques that will enable them to perform.  Students will perform in a public concert in December and May.