Washington GT Magnet Elementary School

3-5 Electives

Mathematics

ALGEBRA ALLIES
This elective is designed to introduce third, fourth, and fifth grade students to algebra and develop their foundation in algebraic thinking, reasoning, and recording. Fictional professors introduce the students to various algebraic functions using a “Fabulous Machine”, “Morph Machine”, and special scale. Students will have the opportunity to practice computational and mental math skills, use T-tables and variables, express and solve algebraic equations, investigate area and perimeter through the lens of algebra, and identify the commutative properties of addition and multiplication. Students will use Math Journals to reflect, record, and explain what they are learning. As a culminating activity, students will use their acquired knowledge to design their own bedroom floor plan and/or create a “Balancing Mobile” that balances algebraic equations.

ARCHITECTURE - AG
Students will learn how to relate many subject areas to the environment of home, school, and neighborhood through the study of architecture. They will learn the significance of the built environment and its impact on society. This course is designed for high-achieving students who have a fascination with buildings and bridges. Critical thinking skills are emphasized and students will be given opportunities to make decisions on how we might enrich and protect our architectural environment. This course offers a unique way for students to learn about the familiar in a fresh new way.

CALCULATOR MATH
A pocket calculator can save time in solving math problems. Find out how this instrument can use its memory to help you find answers quickly.

FREAKY FRACTIONS
This course provides reinforcement and enrichment with fractions for fourth and fifth graders. Students will use fractions in real life situations to practice concepts of reducing, comparing, using mixed numbers, and performing basic mathematical operations with unlike denominators.

FURTHER WITH NUMBERS 3 - AG
This course provides both horizontal and vertical enrichment for the student who loves math and likes challenges! Students will look carefully at other number systems, other bases, and strange and wonderful math patterns and theorems; solve simple algebraic equations; build a city of polyhedron shapes; and "taste" probability.

FURTHER WITH NUMBERS 4 - AG
This course provides both horizontal and vertical enrichment for the student who loves math and likes challenges! Students will look carefully at other number systems, other bases, and strange and wonderful math patterns and theorems; solve simple algebraic equations; build a city of polyhedron shapes; and "taste" probability.

GEOMETRIC CONSTRUCTION - AG
This course not only helps the student to understand the concepts, vocabulary, and tools of geometry, it also brings geometry to life. Students will be provided with directed concrete experiences as well as freedom to create their own two and three-dimensional geometric designs.

JAMMIN’ GEOMETRY
This course will introduce two and three dimensional shapes, lines, and angles. Geometry will be explored along with basic word problems involving geometric principles.

LET'S MAKE A MILLION - AG
Bill Gates look out! Students will learn about the Stock Market and follow their “money” on the stock exchange. Students will also learn the operations of a company as they write a constitution, elect board members, sell stock in their company, and make and sell a product.

LOGIC AND PROBLEM SOLVING - AG
Thinking and reasoning skills will be developed in this course. Students will discover techniques for solving problems through appropriate activities, which will include logic puzzles, deductive thinking exercises, and flow-charting.

MAHARAJAS’ TASKS
Students will participate in an exciting variety of division experiences to ensure that they learn the purposes and the process of dividing. Students will divide in all kinds of contexts and learn to process division in a way that makes sense to them.

MEASURING UP!
This course will provide students with practice using both the standard and metric systems of measurement. Students will explore both systems of measurement through engaging, hands-on activities that are based on NCTM standards. Time, capacity, length, mass, and temperature will be investigated allowing students to make real-world connections to the uses and applications of measurement skills and concepts.

MIND BENDERS
This advanced course is packed with mathematical puzzles, riddles, tricks, and problems. This is a challenging course for students who are ready for logic and problem solving.

MOOLAH MANIA
It’s all about money, how we make it and how we spend it. This course offers opportunities for experimentation and problem solving while investigating areas of microeconomics, including the behavior of consumers and the marketing of a product. This study introduces to elementary student the functions of the free enterprise system and the basics of supply and demand economy. Students become entrepreneurs in a business simulation, which includes planning a business, taking out a loan, leasing a location, producing and advertising a product and taking it to market. Instead of grades, students earn money for their performance and achievements. Math skills are practiced as students work with purchase transactions, discounts and sales tax, banking services and records, and charting profits and losses. Art, music, and technology are integrated into the advertising campaign for the product. Students experience the real world of business and learn to appreciate why an education is essential to earning a living.

MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION
This course is designed for students who need further development with the concepts of multiplication and division. It employs novel approaches, motivating activities and games, and practice with the basic facts.

NINE OUT OF TEN
Learn to predict mathematical chances in a variety of situations. The student who enjoys discovering the probability and odds in math happenings will find this course to be a "winner".

Washington GT Magnet Elementary School
Phone: (919) 856-7960 / Fax: (919) 856-7985