What They Need To Know:
In math, students will learn the concept of rates and ratios and use these tools to solve word problems. Students will work on dividing multi-digit whole numbers and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing multi-digit decimals. Students will extend their prior work with fractions and decimals to understand the concept of rational numbers — any number that can be made by dividing one integer by another, such as 1/2, 0.75, or 2. Students will also learn how to write and solve equations—mathematical statements using symbols, such as 20+x = 35 — and apply these skills in solving multi-step word problems.
In English, students will read a range of challenging books, articles, and texts, and be expected to demonstrate their understanding by answering questions and contributing to class discussions. In writing, students will continue to work on their use of language, sentence structure, and organization of ideas. They will also be expected to integrate information from different sources and to use writing to interpret and analyze.
Math
Fractions
- Divide fractions by fractions using models and equations to represent the problem
- Solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions
Sample problem:
Ann has 3 1⁄2 lbs of peanuts for the party. She wants to put them in small bags, each containing a 1⁄2 lb. How many small bags of peanuts will she have?
Students use their knowledge of fractions to see that there are 7 halves in 3 1⁄2 lbs, so there will be 7 bags of peanuts
Students can also find how many halves are in 3 1⁄2 by applying the traditional procedure of dividing 3 1⁄2 by 1⁄2.
3 1⁄2 = 7⁄2
7⁄2 ÷ 1⁄2 = 7⁄2 x 2⁄1 = 14⁄2 = 7
Ratios and proportions
- Understand the concept of a ratio and use the correct language to describe it
- Understand the concept of a unit rate (the rate per unit, or a ratio with a denominator of 1) and use the correct language to describe it
- Use ratio and rates to solve real-world problems.
Sample problem:
A slime mixture is made by mixing glue and liquid laundry starch in a ratio of 3 to 2. How much glue and how much starch are needed to make 90 cups of slime?
Using knowledge of ratios and proportions, students see that if each cup of slime is made up of 3 parts glue and 2 parts starch, there are 5 parts in each cup. They can then compute the quantity of one, two, and three parts of 90 cups to determine the exact amounts of glue and starch needed.
Classroom task: Algebraic expressions
The table below shows the prices of different items at A and B Supermarket.
1. Write two equivalent expressions to represent the total amount Mr. D will pay for the items he buys.
2. Explain how Mr. D can use the distributive property to calculate the total amount he has to pay.
Help kids learn outside school:
1. Ask your child to calculate the unit rates of items purchased from the grocery store. For example, if 2 pounds of flour cost $3.00, how much does flour cost per pound?
2. Have your child determine the amount of ingredients needed when cooking. For example, if a recipe calls for 8 cups of rice to serve 4 people, how many cups of rice do you need to serve 6 people?
English
Reading literature
- Determine the theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details.
- Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
Reading for information
- Cite evidence from the text to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Integrate information presented in different media or formats (such as visually or through numbers) as well as words.
Writing
- Introduce a topic and develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information.
- Give a concluding statement or section that follows from the explanation presented.
- Organize ideas, concepts, and information using definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect.
- Use transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
- Use precise language and subject-specific vocabulary.
Classroom task: Can animals think?
Students read a lengthy 1999 Time magazine article by Eugene Linden on animal intelligence.
The assignment:
Write an essay explaining how Linden develops his stance on the question, “Can animals think?” Begin by introducing and explaining Linden’s point of view. Then explain how Linden develops that point of view through the article. Cite relevant textual evidence to support your analysis.
Classroom Task: Writing Editorials
Write an editorial stating your position on year-round schooling. Be sure to include:
- An engaging opening
- Background information that introduces your topic
- A clear claim
- Two separate supporting arguments/reasons, with evidence from reliable sources
- Citations that show the sources of your evidence
- An explanation of the other side and a strong counterclaim (optional)
- A call to action in your conclusion
Answers
Grocery Shopping:
1. 3(7 + 3) = 3(10) = (3 x 7) + (3 x 3) = 30
2. “The distributive property is when we add 2 numbers together and multiply either the 2 numbers by the same value or multiply the sum of the two numbers by that same value.”