ENGLISH

The English program emphasizes the development of skills in reading, writing, and oral expression. The program strives to foster a love of reading. Students write frequently in a variety of modes. Highlights include a mythology unit that culminates with a dramatic performance and a creative writing unit done in preparation for National Poetry Month in April. In English classes, students

Reading

• Read and comprehend texts from a variety of genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama) and from a variety of subject areas
• Evaluate, interpret and analyze different elements of a story (characterization, plot, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) 
• Increase vocabulary through use of knowledge of word origins, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, and analogies; read, spell, and understand content vocabulary
• Demonstrate understanding of literature through small group discussions, reflective journals, projects, and written or oral reports

Writing

• Understand and use the steps of the writing process, including: pre-writing strategies, conferring with others, editing, revision, and self-correction 
• Write clearly and effectively in a variety of modes using complete thoughts and paragraphs and supporting ideas  through  the use of  examples, details, and facts
• Develop solid writing mechanics, including correct spelling, grammar, capitalization and punctuation  
• Develop research skills such as using a variety of reference materials, collecting information, creating  outlines,  and citing sources using a simple bibliography

Listening and Speaking

• Participate effectively in small and large group discussions,
• Learn to ask insightful questions, to formulate inferences, and to draw conclusions
• Prepare and present effective oral presentations, as well as listen and respond to the presentations of other students
• Listen and respond appropriately to oral presentations; formulate inferences and draw conclusions

 

MATHEMATICS

In mathematics, students gain a deeper understanding of mathematical principles and arithmetic operations and apply these to fractions and decimals, formulas and measurements, and positive and negative numbers.  Word problems, geometry and data analysis strengthen problem solving and reasoning skills. In math classes, students

• Compute whole numbers, fractions, decimals and mixed numbers; find multiples and factors
• Distinguish prime, composite, odd or even numbers
• Understand place value (ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, millions, billions) and percent
• Compute with powers and perform the order of operations
• Demonstrate conceptual understanding of algebraic expression using variables
• Understand geometry concepts in two and three dimensions; learn basic angles and compute the area and volume of simple geometric figures using formulas
• Interpret data to answer questions using tables, bar graphs, circle graphs or line graphs
• Utilize appropriate units of measure across the curriculum
• Explore consumer mathematics

 

SCIENCE

In science, fifth graders investigate ecosystems, the classification of living things, simple machines, astronomy, and weather.  Nature journals, field trips and experiments provide hands-on lab experiences that make science visual, enlightening and exciting. Science includes a health component about the human body and about changes that students experience as they enter adolescence. In science classes, students

• Describe ecosystems and habitats; observe the differences in ecosystems throughout the year
• Understand conservation and participate in practices that encourage sustainability
• Classify organisms into groups and understand that life forms are made up of cells; observe single- and multi-celled organisms
• Understand differences between salt and fresh water and identify some microbes that live in each
• Learn how simple machines provide mechanical advantage
• Recognize Earth’s unique characteristics; compare and contrast planets; observe the constellations 
• Recognize the causes and changes in weather; describe how clouds affect weather and climate
• Understand how the human body changes throughout puberty

 

HISTORY

Students study United States and Maine history, with a focus on the state’s Native American tribes and early settlers.  Concepts in geography, culture, economics, government, and civic responsibility are key components of the social studies curriculum.  Individual projects develop critical research skills and provide opportunities for taking academic risks. In history classes, students

• Explore the history of the State of Maine and Native American tribes from before European settlement to the Civil War
• Draw a map of the United States and label all states, capitals, and important geographic features
• Relate themes of geography to the State of Maine
• Understand and discuss the founding principles of the United States
• Understand how fundamental economic concepts such as scarcity and trade influenced early American development
• Complete “Values” shield project and current events journal 
• Distinguish between fact and opinion; provide evidence to support claims
• Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity