Unit 11: Probability

On Friday, May 29th, students will begin a new unit on Probability as part of the Data Management and Probability strand in Mathematics.  In everyday life, probability is often used to estimate the likelihood of risks and predict future events.  

Students will:

• use the language of probability (likely, unlikely, impossible, certain).
• conduct experiments and predict results.
• use fractions to describe probability.
• use tree diagrams to find probabilities.
• use probability to pose and solve problems.

You can assist your child at home by following some of these suggestions:

• listen to weather forecasts and discuss weather outcomes using probability language.
• play board and card games together.  Compare games that depend on chance to games that depend on skill.
• talk to your child about superstitions. Ex:"Does blowing out a birthday candle and making a wish really change the outcome of an event in the future?"

Measurement Final Test

There will be a Measurement test on Tuesday, May 26.  Students will review lessons in class on Friday and on Monday.

Students should review/ study the following concepts:

• estimating and measuring linear dimensions
• relating units of linear measure
• using decimals to record linear measures
• using a measuring tape to find circumference
• estimating and measuring perimeter and area
• developing and using rules (formulas) for calculating perimeter and area of a rectangle
• solving problems related to length, perimeter, and area

A quiz is coming home today (Tuesday) to be signed.  Students should spend time on any tricky areas for the test.

Energy Project

Students have been learning about:

• forms of energy
• transformations
• renewable and non-renewable energy sources
• conservation

To tie these concepts together, students will be designing and creating an energy-efficient device for a clubhouse.  Most students will be partnered and will go through a design process using a graphic organizer.  Students will be encouraged to use recyclable materials found either at home or at school.  While the device may not function exactly as planned, students should be prepared to explain how it would function and be energy-efficient.

The project will begin either at the end of the week or early next week.  Sketches will be completed and analyzed in class.  A list of required materials will be created for collection at home.

Linear, Perimeter and Area - Measurement Quiz

On Friday, May 15, there will be a quiz for Unit 9.  The following concepts will be covered and should be reviewed:

• choosing appropriate unit of measure
• estimating approximate measures
• converting (mm, cm, dm, m, km)
• comparing  non-standard units of measure
• drawing figures on grid paper and finding area and perimeter

Review Lessons 1 - 5

Unit 8: Fractions and Decimals Final Test

There will be a final test for Unit 8 on Friday, April 24th.

Students should review the following concepts:

• converting fractions and mixed numbers into decimals
• converting decimals into fractions or mixed numbers
• comparing and ordering decimals and fractions
• estimating products and quotients for decimals by whole numbers
• multiplying and divide decimals to the hundredths by a whole number
• word problems for any of the above concepts

Science: Understanding Earth and Space Systems

As the First Nations and Early Europeans unit comes to a close, we begin to shift our focus back to science.  The unit revolves around the Understanding Earth and Space Systems strand and is titled "Conservation of Energy and Resources".  Students will be investigating the following big ideas:

• energy sources are either renewable or non-renewable.
• energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be transformed.
• choices about using energy and resources have both immediate and long-term impacts.
• conservation is one way of reducing the impacts of using energy and resources.

Unit activities will range from research to hands-on investigations with the culminating task being to design and create a structure/ device with energy and environmental considerations.

Junior Math Contest

Many students in 5B will be participating in the Junior Math Contest this year!  The date is April 15th and it is held at school in the morning block.  Participants have been reminded that they registered back in the fall.  Unfortunately late registrants are not permitted.

If students wish to look at sample questions in advance, they can click the following link and choose the Grade 5 Fibonacci test:
www.mathematicacentrum.ca

Regular class work will be provided for those students that will not be writing the Math Contest.

Thank you!