Number Sense

Number Sense

Number sense is about having a basic understanding of numbers. One of the first things we learn in school is what the numbers are and how we use them. In fifth grade math, number sense is obviously not as simple as it is in kindergarten, but if students have a good foundation, they can build from there.

Students will learn to expand place value, now to at least the billion’s place, and apply the concepts they’ve learned about whole numbers. They’ll estimate sums and differences and will also learn more about Roman numerals. They will develop a deeper understanding of using operations in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They’ll expand their use of multiplication and division, using larger numbers to multiply and divide. They will also continue to expand their knowledge of decimals in the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students will practice converting decimals to percent and fractions. They’ll add and subtract fractions using both mixed numbers and improper fractions. They’ll also practice simplifying, making equivalent fractions, and estimating. Again, they’ll explore the connections between fractions, decimals, and percent. Finally, students will add to their vocabulary by learning some key fifth grade math terms.

While some of this may fall into more specific categories, it can also be rolled up into number sense in fifth grade. Students need to have a good understanding of how to use and apply all of these concepts of numbers.