Math Course Overview

The Alexander Dawson School 5th Grade Math Course Overview 2007-2008   The fifth grade mathematics program focuses on solidifying students’ confidence and command of a wide variety of concepts in problem solving and analytical thinking. Manipulatives, mental math, estimation, and real-world problem solving are incorporated into daily lessons.   Units of Study: Unit 1 – Number Theory   Unit 2 – Estimation and Computation   Unit 3 – Geometry Explorations   Unit 4 – Division   Unit 5 – Fractions, decimals, percents   Unit 6 – Addition and Subtraction of Fractions   Unit 7 – Exponents and negative numbers   Unit 8 – Fractions and ratios   Unit 9 – Coordinates, area, volume   Unit 10 – Algebra Concepts   Unit 11 – Volume   Unit 12 – Probability and ratios   Assessments:          Class work          Homework          Quizzes          End-of-unit tests          Vocabulary tests          Self assessments          Participation   Materials:          Everyday Math Journal 1 & 2          Everyday Math Student Reference Book          Math manipulatives          Teacher-prepared enrichment handouts

Science Course Overview

The Alexander Dawson School 5th Grade Science Course Overview 2007-2008   Fifth grade students will use the inquiry process to pursue science questions using the scientific method. They will learn to develop questions into hands-on reproducible experiments and present them at our 5th grade Science Exposition. Analysis and interpretation skills will be developed as they learn to communicate the results of their experimentations. Students will compare mammalian anatomy with owl pellets, create environments and modify variables affecting organisms, explore mixtures and solutions, and investigate the states of matter. Students will also study the nature and history of science and enjoy sharing current science news.   Units of Study:   Unit 1 – Food and Nutrition   Unit 2 – Variables   Unit 3 – Mixtures and Solutions   Unit 4 – Environments   Assessments:          Class work          Homework          Quizzes          End-of-unit tests          Vocabulary tests          Self assessments          Participation          Science Projects   Materials:          Full Option Science System (FOSS)          FOSS Science Stories          Sciencesaurus: A Student Handbook              Science lab equipment          Teacher-prepared enrichment handouts

Letter from Mrs. Garner

Mrs. Garner’s and Mrs. Vetter's 5th Grade Classes Alexander Dawson School 10845 West Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89135 702-799-2520 ext. 241 cgarner@adsrm.org www.cherigarner.com   August 24, 2007   Dear Parents and Students,               Welcome to 5th grade at Alexander Dawson School. We are so excited you are in our class! We know this will be a great year. We are going to reach high standards of excellence as we start this exciting adventure together. Besides all the great school activities, we will be having many adventures in our own classroom that will help make us better student leaders. Mrs. Garner will be your math and science teacher, and Mrs. Vetter will be challenging you in language arts and social studies.               The math and science classroom is a classroom/technology lab. We will sharpen our communication skills with pencils and keyboards. We will use Internet research skills, desktop publishing, and multimedia production to enhance our learning and share what we learn. The world is our classroom, and it is only a click away! Besides all our technology fun, we will do many activities to build class spirit and learn to work together. Each of you will bring your unique talents and expertise to our class. I know we will learn from each other.              The language arts and social studies class will be challenging, but fun and exciting all year round.  We are going to dive into books this year and complete many challenging activities that relate to literacy.  A reader’s and writer’s workshop will be conducted in class all year long.  Reading workshop is a wonderful balanced literacy approach to teaching reading.  It allows students to make choices on books they want to read within their instructional limits.  Students will be sharing their stories through written responses, literature circles, book talks, as well as in small groups.  This year students will increase reading comprehension, writing skills, as well as their love for reading.    In fifth grade this year, you will have a chance to earn your Einstein Challenge Award. This award will be earned as you explore math and science connections to the past, present, and future. We will be using Everyday Mathematics and exploring many science topics using hands-on science lessons based on inquiry and the scientific method. We will also be studying science history and celebrating new scientific inventions and discoveries.               At the end of fifth grade, you will be anxious to move on to 6th grade, but you will want to make the most of each day. It all begins on Monday, August 27, 2007 at 8:05 a.m. in room 309. See you soon! Feel free to send us an email and introduce yourself before tomorrow!   Sincerely,     Mrs. Cheri Garner Mrs. Angela Vetter

The Year at a Glance

5th Grade Alexander Dawson School 2007-08   Year at a Glance     August/September                    School Begins (August 27)                                                                            Back-to-School Open House (September 20)                                                                    October                                    Halloween Party (October 31)                        November                                Parent Teacher Conferences (November 1-2)                                                          Grandparents Day (November 16)                  December                                 Gingerbread Event (December 15)                                                                Holiday Party (December 21)                        Winter Break (December 22- January 6)          January                                     Science Exposition          (*January 16)                 5th Grade       February                                   Valentine’s Day Party (February 14)               March                                      Parent Teacher Conferences (March 6-7)                                                      CSI: Dawson Beach (*March 10-14)                     5th Grade                                                 Spring Break (March 17-21)                           April                                         Field Day (April 25)                                                                                      ERB Testing (April 28- May 2)                       May                                         Mother’s Day Program (*May 8)                          5th Grade Camp Pali 5th Grade Trip (May 19-21)                 5th Grade               June                                         Last day of school (June 6)                              *Dates subject to change.