Multiplication is essentially repeated addition, or growing numbers by doubling, tripling, quadrupling, and so on. This unit presents mental models and strategies that help students learn and review the concept of multiplication. Students explore multiplication using arrays, partial products, doubling methods and the standard algorithm to solve numerical and word problems. Students will multiply whole numbers and simple decimals by base ten exponents (i.e. .3 x 103).

Fractions can be challenging when taught in an abstract way. That’s why this unit invites learners to engage with fractions and mixed numbers in very visual and concrete ways using number lines, tape diagrams and area models. Students will learn different strategies to practice identifying and generating equivalent fractions.

Understanding how our ten number system works enables students to see interesting and useful patterns and relationships in these math activities. These patterns allow students to develop more efficient mental math strategies when multiplying by multiples of 10 or 100. Students will also review rounding and apply this skill to larger numbers - up to 100,000’s place.

In this unit, students will build on their understanding of decimals by working with numbers that include decimals in tenths, hundredths and thousandths place. Adding, subtracting and rounding with decimals will enable them to apply the strategies in new ways and enhance their understanding of the base-ten number system.

Students are going to take a deeper dive into fractions in this unit! Learners will apply previous understanding of finding equivalent fractions, and converting between fractions and mixed numbers to work with fractions in more complex ways. Students will continue to use visual models to learn and practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.

In this 5th grade division unit, students will take their understanding to the next level by applying division skills with multi-digit numbers. Students will also begin to explore division with decimals and practice using estimation to check the reasonableness of their answers. Last, students will use their knowledge of the base ten number system to divide decimals by base ten exponents (i.e. .4 ➗ 104).