Fifth Grade

Fifth Grade Curriculum

Math - Saxon Math

Cathedral School's math program is distinctive in both its format and scope.  Using Saxon Math throughout all grade levels, students in grades K-2 experience instruction in fundamental concepts.  As each student enters grade 3, he/she, using placement test scores, previous teacher's input, is paced in the appropriate math level.  This allows for differentiated instruction for all students. Students at Cathedral have the opportunity to move through the math curriculum at their own pace, and many will complete courses in high school level Algebra 1 and 2 prior to graduation. Care is taken to ensure that students are challenged and yet comfortable in their math placements. 

5th Grade Math:

  • Graphing points on a coordinate plane
  • Finding the area and perimeter
  • Converting measurements
  • Represent and interpreting data
  • Measure volume
  • Find equivalent fractions
  • Three-digit by three-digit multiplication
  • Solve word problems

ELA:

  • Read and interpret nonfiction text
  • Recognize and use figurative language
  • Compare text structures (cause & effect, problem & solution, chronological order)
  • Determining the main idea vs. supporting details
  • Compare settings, themes, and characters across different texts.
  • Summarize a written text.
  • Determine theme
  • Writing nonfiction: informative essays and opinion pieces
  • Use and interpret multiple forms of media as sources of information.

Book club discussions:

  • The Midwife’s Apprentice
  • Bridge to Terabithia
  • Because of Mr. Terupt 
  • Number the Stars
  • Wolf Hollow

Science:

  • Exploring sources of energy (food chains, sunlight, etc.)
  • Identifying rock formations and layers of rocks
  • Make observations to identify processes of weathering and erosion
  • Describe how the geosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere interact.
  • Observe Earth as one of several planets within the solar system
  • Create and interpret graphs

Social Studies:

  • Read and interpret maps
  • Describe the change in history in the United States of America (Revolutionary War, Westward expansion, Civil War, etc)
  • Overview of government system (checks and balances)
  • Use tools of social science inquiry
    • Surveys
    • Maps
    • Documents
  • Knowledge of economic concepts
    • Goods and services
    • Technology in the economy
    • Reasons explorers came to the new world
    • Geography Immersion Unit

Study Trips:

  • Steamboat Arabia
  • Federal Reserve
  • Planetarium
  • Vocations Day