Grade 5

Course description: Grade 5 builds an understanding of mathematical concepts using multiple representations. They learn to reason and communicate mathematically. Students have ample opportunities to model and justify their answers. The Common Core Standards are incorporated into the teaching of operations and algebraic thinking, number, and operations in base ten, fractions, measurements and data, and geometry.

Course description: Grade 5 develop their language skills to better understand themselves and the world around them. Students read and analyze a wide variety of class-assigned and self-selected texts from different genres. The focus of English Language Arts is on building higher-level thinking skills to evaluate, analyze, summarize, and compare and contrast various works of fiction, nonfiction, and informational texts. Students will draw evidence from research in order to logically support a writer’s purpose across all content areas integrated with multimedia. Students will continue to develop their speaking skills in order to express their ideas clearly and effectively. In addition, they will refine their listening skills to better participate in lectures, classroom discussions, and cooperative group activities. All curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards.

Course description: The instruction of vocabulary through an integration of print and online audio and visual media tools that helps students “own” words in their growing vocabularies and enrich their understanding.

Course description: Grammar workshop provides students in Grade 5 with instruction and practice in grammar skills that will help improve their ability to communicate clearly in both their writing and speaking. In addition, it helps prepare them for standardized tests.  

Course description: Interactive Science is a complete science curriculum for Grades 3-5 students. Lessons engage students in science inquiry, STEM activities, and problem-based, hands-on learning. Blended print and digital experiences engage students and support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*. Interactive Science includes strong literacy connections for elementary learners. High-quality science resources, strategies, and guidance help teachers awaken students’ sense of curiosity as they learn about science.

Course Description: The first semester will be a continuation of our robotics and coding unit from Grade 4. Students will be challenged with various tasks increasing in difficulty as the unit progresses. Initially, the students will build a robot using a set of instructions. As they work on challenges, changes in design will be required and they will be using the engineering design process to determine how they can accomplish these missions.

Course description: Grade 5 will study the early history of the United States. They will learn about how geography and climate affected the Native Americans, the cultural differences and competitions that led to conflicts among many people in the Americas, how the thirteen colonies were founded and the governments and ideas that developed, what events led up to the American Revolution and how our country grew as a nation.

Course description: Students gather in prayer at the beginning of every lesson and focus on their lives as they begin each day’s lesson. Each chapter presents the truths of the Catholic faith found in sacred scripture and traditions. To present the content of faith in ways that are age-appropriate, students are called to live out their discipleship among their peers, their families, and their school through prayer, song, actions, activities and service projects. In addition, the students become more familiar with Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, along with the Mercy Core Values and Critical Concerns.

Course description: In the Grade 5 music class, students will participate in vocal and instrumental activities. We will have class in our performing arts and music rooms in the Lower School. The girls will also learn to play a string instrument (violin, cello, viola) and embark on a wonderful journey through instrumental performance. They will also get the opportunity to perform in 3 concerts!