5th Grade ASPIRE Math
November 16, 2017
This Week
This week, the ASPIRE 5 math scholars continued their decimal multiplication journey. On Monday, we investigated whether Double Stuf Oreos actually have twice the "stuf," and answered reflection questions that required them to make calculations based on their data. Next, the students discovered the algorithm for multiplying decimals after making connections to the fraction method. They applied this concept to real-world problems and algebraic equations that allowed them to think critically about the algorithm. On Friday, we will end the week with a round of Thanksgiving equations and problem solving. Get ready to hear some interesting trivia, and maybe even a clever joke or two!
Math Olympiad
On Tuesday, the ASPIRE 5 students kicked off the 2017-2018 Math Olympiad during GatorAIDE time. Math Olympiad consists of five tests taken by students around the world. Each test has 5 problems, and the students are given 30 minutes to complete them. The problems range from easy to difficult, and can be solved with many different methods. While the students have not necessarily learned all of the math they need to know to solve every problem, they greatly benefit from the rigorous problem solving process. We are always excited to see how the students grow from this experience over the course of a year, and as they progress through the different grade levels in ASPIRE. We hope you enjoy looking over the tests with your child when they are returned to them.
Next Week
Next week, the ASPIRE 5 math scholars will begin to explore decimal division. First, they will identify division patterns by simulating shares of lottery winnings. Next, they will create models to reflect division problems. They will also use the traditional algorithm and partial quotients to divide decimals by 2-digit whole numbers. Miss Hayes and Mr. Boykin are very thankful for our wonderful students and their supportive parents. We wish you the best during the Thanksgiving holidays, and we are looking forward to another great week of math when the students return.