Fifth Grade

We focus on independence in doing work and organization to prepare students for middle school.

We do more long-term projects that require research and using the correct paper form.

Curriculum Highlights

Language Arts: Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop.
Math: Differentiated instruction with flexible grouping; Math Masters.
Religion: Blessing of the Animals Prayer Service and All Saints’ Day Mass.
Science: Utilizing the Scientific Method through a variety of experiments.
Social Studies: Native American Research Project and Colonial American Project.
Field Trips include: MN Zoo overnight, Old Cahill School, The Ordway, Nickelodeon Universe and Feed My Starving Children.
Activities include: Patrols, Yearbook, D.A.R.E., Adopt-a-Pilot, Compost Crusaders and Stuff the Bus.

IB Themes for Fifth Grade

Who We Are

An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
- Central Idea: Our identity is shaped by the changes we face as we grow and develop.
  - An iquiry into:
    - Growing and changing
    - Developing relationships
    - Rites of Passage
    - The craft of writing personal narratives

Where We Are in Place & Time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
- Central Idea: Curiosity and the need for resources often drive exploration of our world.
  - An inquiry into:
    - Exploration
    - Indigenous people of our country
    - Colonization
    - Power and domination

How We Express Ourselves

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
- A person's passions, interests, and responsibilities can lead to action.
  - An inquiry into:
    - Exhibition

How the World Works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
- Central Idea: Problem-solving and scientific investigations require systematic thinking.
  - An inquiry into:
    - Engineering process
    - Force and motion
    - Simple machines
    - Scientific Investigation

How We Organize Ourselves

An inquiry into the inter connectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function or organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
- Central Idea: Change impacts how we organize ourselves.
  - An Inquiry into:
    - Causes and events of the American Revolution
    - Early Government
    - Governing Documents

Sharing the Planet

An inquiry into the rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
- Central Idea: Earth systems change due to natural processes and/or humans’ choices.
  - An inquiry into:
    - Bziomes as earth systems
    - The relationships between humans and earth systems
    - The sustainability of the earth's resources