Please visit:

http://www.floridastandards.org/Standards/FLStandardSearch.aspx


to take a look at the new 5th grade math standards. The standards are very different from those that have been used in the past.

We are now focusing on geometry. Specifically the standards we will address include:

MA.5.G.3.1: Analyze and compare the properties of two-dimensional figures and three-dimensional solids (polyhedra), including the number of edges, faces, vertices, and types of faces.

MA.5.G.3.2: Describe, define, and determine surface area and volume of prisms by using appropriate units and selecting strategies and tools.

MA.5.G.5.1: Identify and plot ordered pairs on the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.

MA.5.G.5.4: Derive and apply formulas for areas of parallelograms, triangles, and trapezoids from the area of a rectangle.

MA.5.G.5.3: Solve problems requiring attention to approximation, selection of appropriate measuring tools, and precision of measurement.

MA.5.G.5.2: Compare, contrast, and convert units of measure within the same dimension (length, mass, or time) to solve problems.


Already, all students should be able to apply the formula, b X h = Area, to all parallelograms in order to find the area of a parallelogram.

For triangles students show know that 1/2 of b X h = area.

For the area of trapezoids students should be able to use the formula 1/2 of (base 1 + base 2) X h.



All students should have an FCAT Reference Sheet with all kinds of conversions and formulas in their Source Book in the Math section. It is super critical that they have this information with them daily.

The reference sheet in question can be viewed at:

http://fcat.fldoe.org/pdf/specifications/MathGrades3-5.pdf

The link above is also a great place to see the style of questions that will be asked on a typical Chets Creek math quiz. The State of Florida places a huge emphasis on the complexity level of the questions. Therefore, you will see many questions that include charts, graphs, multiple operations, patterns, and other higher order questioning components.

It's Not Just a Multiple Choice Test!

It's Not Just a Multiple Choice Test!




Years ago, most standardized math tests were using rather low complexity questions. That's not to say that the questions were easy. Some may have been very difficult, but knowing what to do was pretty straight forward.


A test might have asked simply asked for the sum of 3/8 + 1/6, and then given four possible answers.


Today, the state of Florida is putting a heavier emphasis on the cognitive complexity level of questions on tests like the FCAT.


As an example, a test might ask how much pie was eaten if the shaded portion of the first pie represents the pie before dessert, and the shaded portion of the second pie represents the amount after dessert.

This turns a very simple problem into a more cognitively challenging problem.

So, what fraction in its lowest terms represents how much pie was eaten?

A. 4/12 B. 7/12 C. 1/4 D. 1/3