Data Literacy

In math, we're begun our data literacy unit. We will be learning how to collect, interpret, organize and display data.  

In grade 5, students will explore the following concepts:

-the importance of various sampling techniques for collecting a sample of data that is representative of a population

-collect data, using appropriate sampling techniques as needed, to answer questions of interest about a population, and organize the data in relative-frequency tables

-select from among a variety of graphs, including stacked-bar graphs, the type of graph best suited to represent various sets of data; display the data in the graphs with proper sources, titles, and labels, and appropriate scales; and justify their choice of graphs

-create an infographic about a data set, representing the data in appropriate ways, including in relative-frequency tables and stacked-bar graphs, and incorporating any other relevant information that helps to tell a story about the data

Here are examples of what we'll be exploring...

A relative frequency table is ideal when there is a large set of data. 
The numbers above could represent how many students read zero books,
one book, two books, etc. in the month of November.
Using the total number of students surveyed, 18, the data 
can be represented as a fraction and percent.

A stacked bar graph is ideal when there are two or more sets of related data.
The bars allow for comparisons to be made among different groups.

An infographic displays data using pictures, numbers and words.

We will look at infographics like this one and analyse the data as well as the format.

Beautiful Works of Art

 

Addition and Subtraction

For the next while, we'll be working on operations, starting with addition and subtraction. This will encompass practising facts, mental math strategies, standard algorithms and solving problems.

The grade 5's need to:

-use knowledge of numbers and operations to solve mathematical problems encountered in everyday life 

-use the properties of operations, and the relationships between operations, to solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers, including those requiring more than one operation, and check calculations (limited to addition and subtraction)

-represent and solve problems involving the addition and subtraction of whole numbers that add up to no more than 100 000, and of decimal numbers up to hundredths, using appropriate tools, strategies, and algorithms

-demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions

-estimate and calculate the cost of transactions involving multiple items priced in dollars, using various strategies

Mental Math

Below are a few addition and subtraction strategies we will look at to replace the algorithm.  The idea is that students can do these steps in their head or even using paper and pencil.  In some instances, these strategies would be quicker than an algorithm.

Addition Strategies:

A quick and easy strategy that is used most often.
Move part of the value to the other number to make something friendly.

Round numbers to friendly values. Any added or subtracted amounts are accounted for at the end.

Start with the larger number, and add the smaller number in manageable chunks.

Subtraction Strategies:

Make a friendly number to take away from the bigger value;
whatever you add or subtract to make the number friendly must be done to the
 other number to maintain the range between the values.

Start with the large number, and take of the smaller number in manageable parts.

This strategy is helpful with money.
Start with the smaller number and count up until you reach the larger number.
The "jumps" or amount it took to reach the larger number is the difference.

Number Facts

We will rehearse number facts in class.  In order to commit these facts to memory, I recommend daily drills at home.  You can use Reflex, flash cards, xtramath.org or another tool you find useful.

There are missions posted on knowledgehook that can be accessed at home for further practice.

Summarizing

We've been learning how to write summaries of fiction texts.  We talked about why people summarize books, tv shows, movies, events and experiences, and what makes a good summary. Here is the criteria we came up with:

• a summary is brief
• it includes only the important details from the beginning, middle and end of the text
• it leaves out minor details that are irrelevant 
• it is organized in a logical order (chronologically)
• it is written in your own words
• it might include some inferences 
• it is written in present tense

Here is one for "Outside the Gates," a historical story we read, discussed and summarized together.

We'll continue reading short historical fiction texts the next couple of weeks. Along with some stories to mark Remembrance Day, here are some other titles we will be reading and summarizing:

Two Dollars

The Boy of the Deeps

The Wreck of the Dispatch

Storm at Batoche

You can practice summarizing at home by asking your son or daughter to summarize the chapter they read that night or an article they read on the computer.

Weird Science!

Our two days of science experiments a couple of weeks ago was filled with lots of discoveries. Ask your child how they figured out the mystery powder or why these pennies are so bright?

 

Patterning

For the next few weeks we'll be exploring patterns! 

We'll be looking at  repeating  patterns,  growing patterns, shrinking patterns and alternating patterns.  In addition to looking at number patterns, we'll analyse geometric patterns.

When solving patterning problems a table of values is helpful.  The table allows students to record the information in an organized way and they can then analyse the values to determine the pattern.

Take a look at this geometric pattern:

Each table records a different pattern.
The first table examines the pattern in the areas.
The second looks at perimeter and the pattern that emerges as each frame adds more squares.

In this problem, students will use a table of values to organize the information.  Usually a table of values has two columns, but in this case, a third column will be used to track the total length of the tape.

Predicting future terms can be done a number of ways including the use of a graph. Once the pattern is recorded in a table of values, the pattern can be graphed. The graph might depict a trend that can be used for future predictions.

Using the graph as a predictive tool,
it is reasonable to guess that the fifth position
will have no tiles. The table and visual
representation support this prediction.

Here's another geometric pattern.  For practice in the next week or two, your child can display the pattern in a table of values up to the 10th frame.  Ask him/her if they can figure out the 20th, without extending the table further.

Picture Book Presentations

Bravo to our friends who have shared their picture books with the class. The audience was rapt as they listened to students read their fabulous picks and share some insights about the book and themselves!

Indoor Break

 When it rains, we have fun! Students found a way to make the best when the weather prevented us from going outdoors.