5th Grade Data Analysis TEKS

Hi, it's Ari from The Science Penguin and I have a few great math ideas to share!

In May, we had STAAR re-test crunch.  During this time, I had students who already passed the math STAAR, so we worked on introducing students to some of the new TEKS so they have some exposure before 6th grade.  Data analysis was a lot of fun!

5.9 Data analysis. The student applies mathematical process standards to solve problems by collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data. The student is expected to:
(A) represent categorical data with bar graphs or frequency tables and numerical data, including data sets of measurements in fractions or decimals, with dot plots or stem-and-leaf plots;
(B) represent discrete paired data on a scatterplot; and
(C) solve one- and two-step problems using data from a frequency table, dot plot, bar graph, stem-and-leaf plot, or scatterplot.

For Stem and Leaf Plots, I got a great idea from Julie at My Journey to 5th Grade.  Students wrote down a number between 10 and 49 on a post-it.  Then, I had them place the post-it on the board where it goes in order.  

Then, I used an idea from Runde's Room.  We recorded our data, then made a foldable.  The students started to see the relationship between the stem and the leaf.  We determined the maximum, minimum, range, mode, and median for our data.  Finally, students got some practice with sets of data on task cards around the room.  

For Scatterplots, I used this great idea from Math Equals Love.  Students placed dot stickers on a first quadrant graph, then determined if their data has a positive, negative, or no correlation.

The final thing that I loved was our graphing investigation.  We used pull-back cars to measure the distance pulled back (cm), distance traveled (cm), and time traveled (to the nearest second).  Groups used the data to make three graphs or plots that they learned about during the week.  It was a fun activity to end with!

Be sure to check out the 5th Grade Math Board on Pinterest.  

Also, check out the 5th Grade Resources Page on Texas Teacher Round-up!

Content Vocabulary Strategy: Word Drawings

Hi Texas Teachers!  It's Ari from The Science Penguin.

I want to share a strategy for content vocabulary.  Someone asked me this summer if there was any better way to help students with vocabulary other than writing a definition and drawing a picture.  This occurred to me the other day while I was listening to a presentation.  I've seen word drawings for math, but not for science, so I decided to try it out.

 

It takes creativity and a true understanding of the word in order to create a word drawing.  Students use a variety of skills in creating a word drawing.  I made some examples in the image below.

Word drawings are something new I am trying this school year.  I will definitely model the technique and have students work whole class and in small groups before making it individual.  I think GT kiddos will enjoy this.  It seems like a great idea for interactive notebooks, science stations, and pairs work.

My students keep a vocab folder of the MOST important terms for 5th grade science and word drawings are a great option to incorporate.

5 Tips for New Teachers

Hi!  It's Ari from The Science Penguin.

If you are a new teacher, welcome!  This is post was written just for you!
I have been teaching for five years, which is long enough to pick up some tips and tricks, but not so long that I forgot what it was like my first year teaching.  Also, I changed schools and grade levels last year, so I got a little reminder of all the things to remember when you are preparing for those kids to show up the first day.

I like to seem pretty "with it" the first day because then the kids know we don't waste time and I know EXACTLY what is going on.
Here are some organization tips for the first day of school.  A little planning goes a long way!

1. Not all students will bring all supplies.  Find out what the norm is at your school and be prepared with extras.  You don't want to be labeling things the first day when half of your class has nothing.  The Back 2 School sales are a great time to stock up and if you're lucky, you may have some money from the school to get basic supplies.

2. Go through the supply list your school/ district/ grade level uses and figure out what exactly your plan is for each item.  If you plan to collect glue bottles, then make sure you have a basket to hold all of it nearby.

3. Have something on the children's desk to do when they arrive.  An easy About Me page, word search, or coloring page (make sure to have crayons available) are a good way to get started.  You can make a packet that you can have the kiddos work on while you take care of housekeeping needs.

4. Make First Day Bags.  I use gallon bags and include EVERYTHING they will need for organizing and labeling that day.
In the bag: sharpened pencil with cap eraser, notebook and folder labels, bookmark, nametag, folders that I'm providing, classroom procedures page, welcome letter for parents, word search/coloring packet, and supply checklist
{I wrote about my Welcome Baggies on my blog last year.}

5. I make about 5 extra First Day Bags for students who come in later in the year.  It is VERY helpful.  While we are labeling and setting up folders and notebooks, I make extras for the bags.  Most of the time, I haven't had students bring supplies when starting school mid-year, so this way it's ready and they can get started with the class.  :)

If you have any advice for new teachers, PLEASE comment below.
If you new teachers have any questions, PLEASE ask!  :)