Fifth Grade
English Language Arts
(from the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards for ELA)
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." – Walt Disney
Reading comprehension is still a focus, but analysis comes to the fore. In literary texts, students analyze how story elements contribute to the plot; in informational texts, they analyze the author’s purpose. Writing is a focus as well. Students are working to master the skills they have already learned. They are improving their organization, varying their transitions, and using elaboration effectively.
To help prepare your child for success in reading and writing, view the Florida B.E.S.T. Parent Guide for English Language Arts (available in English and Spanish).
Mathematics
(from the Grade 5 B.E.S.T. Instructional Guide for Mathematics)
In grade 5, instructional time will emphasize five areas:
(1) multiplying and dividing multi-digit whole numbers, including using a standard algorithm;
(2) adding and subtracting fractions and decimals with procedural fluency, developing an understanding of multiplication and division of fractions and decimals;
(3) developing an understanding of the coordinate plane and plotting pairs of numbers in the first quadrant;
(4) extending geometric reasoning to include volume; and
(5) extending understanding of data to include the mean.
Science
(from the Florida Statewide Science Assessment Achievement Level Descriptions)
Students in fifth grade will be instructed and assessed in four major areas:
Nature of Science - formulate testable questions, evaluate investigations and experiments, organize data, identify a control group, interpret data, analyze information, distinguish between observations and opinions, and defend conclusions.
Earth & Space Science - distinguish among objects in the Solar System, identify categories of rocks and characteristics of minerals, differentiate physical weathering and erosion, identify characteristics associated with different climate zones, and identify factors that affect weather.
Physical Science - identify basic forms of energy, identify familiar forces, trace the conversion of electric energy into other forms of energy, and distinguish relationships among mass, force, and motion.
Life Science - identify the functions of human body organs, compare life cycles of Florida plants and animals, identify adaptations in animals and plants that allow them to survive, and trace energy through a food chain.
Other Curriculum Areas
For more information on the curriculum, information, and resources for other subjects being taught, such as Health, and Social Studies, visit the OCPS Curriculum & Digital Learning page for Curriculum Areas.
For student online tutorials and resources, visit FloridaStudents.org, a free website available to Florida public schools, students, and families. This website contains resources to support learning across all grade levels and subjects.