LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA
COURSE OF STUDY
Fifth Grade
Revised 8/06
Adopted Programs:
SRA: Math Explorations and Applications 5
CSL: Success with Math Coach 5
Replacement Unit: Polyhedraville (optional)
Creative Publications: The Problem Solver 5
In fifth grade, students increase their facility with the four basic arithmetic operations applied to positive and negative numbers, fractions and decimals. They become proficient at multi-digit multiplication and division of decimals and negative numbers, including long division with multi-digit divisors. Percent, as a part of a hundred is introduced and students compute a given percent of a whole number. Exponents as applied to whole numbers are introduced and related to repeated multiplication. Students’ understanding of prime factors, using exponents to show multiples of a factor. They measure lengths and learn about volume. Common measuring units are used for determining units of measure. Students learn the formulas for the area of triangles and of parallelograms by comparing them with rectangles. They know the concept of angle measurement, how to use a protractor and compass, and note that the sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees. Students gain more experience plotting points on a grid and use tables, graphs, and charts to record and analyze.
Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.
Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with numbers. Examples include: real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.
Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.
Calculators used regularly and in appropriate activities.
Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all children presented from each of the following strands: number sense, algebra and functioning, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.
"The Los Altos School District believes that every child should have the opportunity to make continuous progress in mathematics. Children should be grouped for math based on an on-going assessment of individual student needs. To maintain a program of continuous progress, some children will be accelerated beyond their assigned grade placement. No later than 4th grade (fall placement), each school will establish a common math hour for their children. Based on past work history, learner characteristics, tests of 'essential understanding', and spring testing, each child will be grouped for math instruction in the leveled class best meeting his/her learning needs and level of concept mastery. (LASD K-8 Scope and Sequence, 1987; Continuous Progress Math Program, Philosophy Statement, 2002)"
Adodpted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Reading
LASD Reading Standards
Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary
Development
Students use their knowledge
of word origins and word relationships, as well as historical literary context
clues, both to determine the meaning of specialized vocabulary and to
understand the precise meaning of grade level appropriate words.
Comprehension (Focus on
Informational Material)
Students read and understand
grade-level appropriate material. They
describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of text,
and they relate text structure, organization, and purpose.
Literary Response and
Analysis
Students read and respond to
historically or culturally significant works of world literature.
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Language
Writing Strategies
Students write clear,
coherent, and focused essays. Writing
exhibits awareness of audience and purpose.
Essays contain formal introductions, bodies of supporting evidence, and
conclusions. Students successfully use
the stages of the writing process, as needed.
Writing
Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
Students
write narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive text of at least 500 to
700 words. Student writing demonstrates
a command of standard English and research,
organizational, and drafting strategies.
Written
and Oral English Language Conventions
Students
write and speak with a command of standard English
conventions that are appropriate to grade 5.
Listening
and Speaking Strategies
Students
deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly and relate to
the background and interests of the audience.
They evaluate the content of oral communication.
Speaking
Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics
Students
deliver well-organized formal presentations employing traditional rhetorical
strategies (e.g., narration, exposition, persuasion, and description). Student speaking demonstrates a command of standard English
Adopted Programs:
Science Program: Cells and Body Systems, Weather and Water Cycle, and Chemistry
Elementary Science Laboratory Program
Concepts
and Content:
Cell structure and function
Cells, tissue, organs and body systems
Respiratory system and health
Review of our Solar System
The stars and beyond
Use of the Scientific Method
Atoms and molecules
Compounds, solutions, mixtures
Physical and chemical change
Circulatory system
Adopted Programs:
Macmillan McGraw-Hill: Making a New Nation
Concepts and Content:
Discovery and exploration of America
Colonization of the United States
Settling the Trans-Appalachian West
War for Independence and Young Republic
Moving West
Political, social and economic institutions
Map and Globe Skills
All children participate in daily physical education aimed at developing sportsmanship, coordination, agility, strength, stamina, enjoyment of physical activity and participation in team and individual sports.
All children in grades four through six receive weekly music instruction from a District music teacher. In addition, sixth graders have the opportunity to take part in the instrumental music program, which offers both band instruments, string instruction, and music appreciation. Art, drama, and dance are integrated throughout the curriculum. Each site employs an art aide.
For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.
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The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.
Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery. Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.