Using an Open Array to Model Decimal x Whole Number Multiplication

Here is a screen shot for how you could use an open array to model 18 x 8.7. First you would draw an array based on how many digits are in each factor (ie two digits x two digits would be a 2 x 2 array, 3 digits x 2 digits would be a 3 x 2 array). Then you would separate each factor by place value along the sides of the array, and solve for each cell of the array by multiplying the side lengths of the cells. Finally you would add all of the partial products in each cell together.

Here is one for 56.1 x 23, which is not as nicely color-coded:

Properties of Addition and Multiplication

For help with the properties of multiplication, including a quiz, click on the image below:

For help with the properties of addition, including a quiz, click on the image below:

Using the Distributive Property to Solve Division Problems

Using the Distributive Property is a  great strategy for solving division problems - and you can use an open array as a model. When you use an open array in division, the dividend is the area, the divisor is one side length, and you are solving for the other side length (this will be your quotient). You can use the Distributive Property to break the dividend into multiples of the divisor (this is really important because it allows you to divide easily by the divisor!),  and then add the distances along the unknown side to find the quotient.  I like to make a mini array with the area next to my large array to keep track of total area because I will be breaking it apart in my large array. Here are some screen shots from today's lesson - hope they help!

Modeling Multi-digit Multiplication

Hi! Here is a screenshot from a lesson relating the open array to the standard algorithm. Hopefully, you will be able to see the relationship between the two as highlighted.

Welcome 5th Graders

Hello Fifth Graders and Families!

I am so excited to start the new school year.  Today we got to know each other, talked about classroom rules, and organized our supplies. For homework tonight, students should have one or more parents email me msrached302@gmail.com so that I can compile a class email list, and also complete the paperwork that will be sent home. Also, please follow this bog for class updates, photos, and more. Tomorrow we will go over the weekly class schedule, and finish organizing the binders, and on Friday, the students will get to experience transitioning between classes.

I look forward to working with you this year. Parents, I will be available to meet to discuss any concerns regarding your children every Tuesday, from 2:45-3:55, by appointment. I look forward to seeing you at Curriculum Night on September 30, if not before!

Visiting Scientist Choices

Click here for match list

Click here for bios

Bird Report Checklist

Plant report checklist

o   Cover page

o   “Quick facts” statistical information (scientific name, length, weight, clutch size, average life span)

o   Introduction

o   All five group member sections (each section about 1 page in length), with author names in each section. Example:

Nesting

By Ms. Rached

o   Relevant, captioned graphics (map, photo of the bird, hand-drawn diagram)

o   Section titled “Ideal Birdhouse” in which you describe the location, size and features of an ideal birdhouse for your species.

o   Conclusion

o   Glossary

o   Math Questions (see below)

Report should be

12 point font (nothing fancy!)

Section subheadings can be 14-point, and bold or underlined (not both!)

Double-spaced

1” margins on all sides

6-8 pages long

Shared with me (msrached302@gmail.com) with permission to edit.

Math questions

In addition to the report, please think of at least 5 math questions that use your bird’s statistical data, and solve them. The questions should be typed and submitted with the rest of your report (include them after the glossary). The answers can be submitted on looseleaf.

The final report is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday, May 12. We will have class time on Thursday and Friday to work on it, but might need to be finished over the weekend.

Bird Walk ID's

Grackle

Visiting Scientist Day

Click here for the booklet.

Good Sites for Bird Information

Audubon Society

Bio Kids

Finding Averages

Finding Averages

When researching data on different birds, I noticed that there was often a range for the data. I wanted to try to find one average. I know that to find the average, I have to add the data, and divide by the number of data points.  Can you help me with this?

Click on the “BirdGuide” link. Choose one of the “Most Popular Birds” on the homepage, and choose one bird. For that bird, find the average, in metric, (Hint: you will need to go to the "Life History" page for your bird)

• Length 
• Wingspan
• Weight
• Clutch size
• Nestling period
• Incubation period

Use the worksheets to show your work. Also, please lookup what all of this data refers to. Thank you!

Bird Biology

http://biology.allaboutbirds.org/

Coordinate Grid Game

Click here for "Stock the Shelves"

Click here for "Find the Point"

Click here for "Plot the Point"

Game Day!

Some of the students worked so hard to create these amazing games.

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Hard at Work Multiplying Fractions

Learning Games

Here are some math games for ipads.