Grade 5

Science

Our Grade 5 science students use a hands-on approach to science concepts such as astronomy, simple machines, and ecology, while using the scientific method and conducting research projects and presentations, laboratory investigations, dissection, and exciting estuary field work. 

World Language 

Students rotate through an introduction to each of the languages that Derby offers in the Middle School: French, Latin, and Spanish. Throughout each course, students explore the geography, history, and culture of the people who speak/spoke these languages and gain a basic comfort with vocabulary and grammar. Finally, students look for connections between each language and see how they might influence English.

These introductions to French, Spanish, and Latin ensure that students are able to make an informed decision when choosing the language they will take for the remainder of their time at Derby.

English

Grade 5 English is anchored in a year of immersive novel studies and hands-on writing workshops designed to nurture students’ minds and hearts. Students explore full-length novels across genres and engage in thoughtful, text-based discussions. These novels serve as mentor texts by providing opportunities to explore authors’ crafts. Students apply close reading strategies such as annotating, inferring, and tracking character change to deepen comprehension. Through whole-class and small-group discussions, they cite textual evidence, make connections between ideas, and analyze how authors’ choices shape meaning.

Writing instruction follows a workshop model that emphasizes process, independence, and craft. The year begins with narrative writing as students study small-moment storytelling and explore how authors use dialogue, pacing, sensory detail, and internal thinking. They then apply these techniques to realistic fiction by creating complex characters, meaningful conflicts, and carefully constructed settings. Next, students shift to writing about reading as they respond analytically to texts and use evidence to support interpretations. Later, students focus on persuasive writing. They craft clear thesis statements, develop well-reasoned supporting claims, and use textual evidence to strengthen their positions. Throughout the year, students celebrate their growth through end-of-unit Publishing Parties, where they share finished work with an authentic audience and reflect on their writing journey.

Social Studies

Fifth graders broaden their scope from United States-specific studies to include all of North and South America. They dive deeply into the geography and climate of the many states, countries, provinces, and territories that have been populated over time. Beginning with pre-contact, students will become familiar with the indigenous peoples and development of early societies over time. Specific research and presentation skills are introduced, exemplified and applied using the learn and teach model of instruction.  

Detailed map identification skills are also practiced in Grade 5, learning geography vocabulary and borders, locations, and cardinal directions. Additionally, students in Grade 5 practice discrete comprehension skills by reading relevant current events and non-fiction articles and texts, testing their knowledge and comprehension along the way. The final Celebration of Learning occurs in the spring when the culmination of research and presentation preparations are revealed to audiences through the “The Americas: An International Peoples Learn and Teach Project”.