Mrs. Mason's Math Newsletter for September



Here are my Math Wizards:

Oscar David Anna Melcam Mandela Nhi Kevin Maria Leslie Deven Vidal Jocelyn Jamal Jacques Joey Jonathan Gabby Zariah Vanessa Diana Bobby Eric



This is what we will be studying in this month:


Instructional Focus for Unit 1



Mathematics is a language consisting of carefully defined terms and symbols.  In this unit, students learn terms and symbols related number theory and algebra.

Number theory is the branch of mathematics that focuses on whole numbers and their properties.  Factors and multiples were studied by students in Grade 4 as they developed strategies for whole number multiplication and division.  In this unit, students will extend their understanding of factors and multiples as they explore concepts such rules of divisibility and prime and composite numbers.


Learning algebra means learning a language to describe functions and relationships.  This language can be a a graph, a problem, an expression, a table, an equation, or a function.  The concept of function is one of the most important mathematical concepts, and reasoning about patterns helps students to understand the concept of function.

Reasoning about patterns involves the mathematical process of generalizing.  When students generalize patterns it means to explore a situation for regularities and relationships, to systematically organize the data, and to express the pattern of relationship symbolically. In this unit, students will develop and apply their understanding of mathematical language as they continue to extend their knowledge of numeric patterns and relationships.


Key concepts emphasized are:

  • Every whole number greater than 1 is either a prime number or can be factored as a product of primes.
  • Patterns and relationships can be represented graphically, numerically, symbolically, and verbally.
  • Algebraic representations can be used to solve real world problems.

      • Content Outline

      A. Number Theory
      1. Factors
      2. Divisibility
      3. Prime and composite numbers
      4. Prime factorization



      B. Mathematical Relationships
      1. Patterns and rules
      2. Representing functional relationships
      3. Coordinate graphs

      Click on the links below. Your child will be investigating these concepts.


      The Big Sleep
      This is a short streaming video. Just click a speed to view it.

      Symmetry


      Interactive Shapes
      This is about finding the area and perimeter of shapes


      Shape, Space, and Measures      .
      This is a fun site.


      Vocabulary

      composite algebra pattern
      prime percent divisibility
      multiples function rules
      least common multiple graphs greatest common multiple
      data factors factorization
      tables integers evaluate