Math
Order of operations
- PEMDAS: Parentheses · Exponents · Multiply/Divide · Add/Subtract
- Multiply & divide before adding & subtracting
- Work left to right within a tier
Reference
Cheat Sheets
Tape one to the wall. Tuck one in a binder. The 30-second refreshers fifth graders need most.
Math
Decimal place value
- Tenths · hundredths · thousandths
- Each place is 1/10 of the place to its left
- Compare by aligning decimal points
Math
Fraction operations
- Common denominator before + or −
- Multiply: numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator
- Divide unit fraction by whole: multiply by reciprocal
ELA
Citing evidence
- Quote exactly — use quotation marks
- Cite by paragraph or page
- Explain how the quote supports your claim
ELA
Opinion essay structure
- Intro: hook + claim
- Body: reasons + evidence (3 paragraphs)
- Conclusion: restate claim + call to action
Science
States of matter
- Solid: definite shape & volume
- Liquid: definite volume, takes container shape
- Gas: fills container; particles spread out
Social
Map basics
- Compass rose · scale bar · legend
- Lines of latitude run east–west
- Lines of longitude run north–south