Fifth-graders at Farnsworth are up to the task and they prove it every day as they ascend into higher level math and science, while learning new subject matter such as American history and English composition. Their reading has to speed up too, because they are reading to learn now, instead of learning to read.

They analyze and discuss literary elements in stories and start to develop the abstract thinking that shapes their academic future. This is an exciting year because they apply these universaly academic skills in flight ground school where they are put to the test and prove they have what it takes to fly! They know that they share a classroom with colleagues in learning, and their collaboration skills are critical to their success.

Our fifth grade classrooms implement a strong standards based curriculum including:

• Reader’s Workshop
• Writer’s Workshop
• Everyday Math
• Social Studies
• Aerospace Science

Aerospace and Aviation

Fifth-graders have several aerospace, science, and engineering opportunities that continue from previous grades. Students have specialized Ground School trainings with an on-site accredited pilot, that allows them (after passing the proper tests) to be part
of our flight simulator program. Students also participate as teams in Flight Site, working together as a crew, to accomplish various projects.

Our writing projects may focus on Space, Planets or Earth Sciences frequently. Focusing on the Apollo program, our students also use multiple technologies to learn about NASA activities such as space shuttle launches and historic events such as Apollo 11. We were privileged to research, debate and video conference with NASA about the value of going back to the moon. We learned much about what scientists learned from the Apollo moon shots.

Additional instruction

• Flight Simulators
• Flight Site
• STARBASE
• Spanish
• Band
• Physical Education, Literary Art, and Science.
• Library-each week, students go to the library to listen to stories and check out books.
• eMac computer lab-students learn application basic computer skills to complement what is taught in the classroom.
• Aerospace Gifted
• and Talented
• Aerospace Club
• Field trips