Language Arts

What are we learning?

• Use a number of strategies to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. 
• Engaging with other students in thoughtful discussions to develop ideas and perspective on a shared text.
• Learning that fiction writers draw from real experiences to increase believability and relatability.

Home/School Connection

• Ask your student to help you determine the meaning of a difficult word in a book you are reading.
• Ask your student about the read aloud from class. Have them share with you some of the thoughts that they have developed about a character.
• Inquire about the time period and event that your student will be using for their historical writing piece.

Math

What are we learning?

• Use models or ratio reasoning to solve percent problems.
• Use fraction and whole number operations to help you understand decimal operations.

Home/School Connection

• Why does order matter when talking about ratios?
• How can you find a number equivalent to a decimal, percent, or fraction?  
• How do you simplify a fraction?

Science

What are we learning?

• Investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies of the solar system interact
• Planets have different sizes and orbits at different distances from the sun
• Gravity contributes to orbital motion

Home/School Connection

• How has technology helped us learn more about space and the planets?
• Why do we use scale models to study the planets?
• What role does gravity play in the formation of the solar system?

AAP Content

What are we learning?

• The Concept of Systems:
  • Proportions & Linear Relationships: We will continue to build on the concept of ratios and rational numbers to solve problems that require proportional reasoning
  • We will take a closer look at the influence of Earth’s systems on settlement in North America
    • We will explore the strengths and limitations of maps & globes & their impact on history, politics, and economics
    • We will explore US Waterways and how they support interaction among the 8 US regions

Home/School Connection

• How do systems connect to me, to the world, and to what I'm learning? 
• Where can we identify ratios and proportions in our everyday life?
• How can I use benchmark fractions/percents/decimals to help me solve proportions in practical situations?
• How might geographical features (rivers, mountains) impact daily life for people?
• How did land and water features affect the early settlement of North America?

Ask about our PBL:

• How can you, as an engineer and travel agent, create a new resort on a planet in our solar system and show why it would be the most amazing vacation spot in the galaxy?

Click here to see what students are learning in Specials!