STAAR Mastery Cheat Sheet
Math Galaxy
STAAR Mission Control: Grade 5 Mathematics
MODULE 01
Decimal Operations
Addition & Subtraction
"Line 'em up!"
Always align the decimal points vertically. Use "placeholder zeros" to fill empty spots.
Multiplication
1. Multiply like normal numbers.
2. Count total decimal places in both factors.
3. Move decimal that many spots in your answer.
Division
If the divisor (outside) has a decimal, move it right to make it a whole number. Move the dividend's decimal the same number of spots.
Volume & Geometry
Rectangular Prism
V = l × w × h
or V = B × h
h w l
Coordinate Plane
- (x, y): Order matters!
- x-axis: Run (Horizontal)
- y-axis: Jump (Vertical)
0
y
x
Order of Operations
G Grouping { [ ( ) ] }
E Exponents
M Multi. L to R
D Div. L to R
A Add. L to R
S Sub. L to R
Number Rules
<table class="w-full text-[10px]"><tbody><tr class="border-b border-amber-200"><td class="py-1 font-bold">Divisible by 2?</td><td class="py-1 text-right">Ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-amber-200"><td class="py-1 font-bold">Divisible by 3?</td><td class="py-1 text-right">Sum of digits is div. by 3</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-amber-200"><td class="py-1 font-bold">Divisible by 5?</td><td class="py-1 text-right">Ends in 0 or 5</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-amber-200"><td class="py-1 font-bold">Divisible by 9?</td><td class="py-1 text-right">Sum of digits is div. by 9</td></tr><tr><td class="py-1 font-bold">Divisible by 10?</td><td class="py-1 text-right">Ends in 0</td></tr></tbody></table>
Prime vs Composite:
Prime has only 2 factors (1 & self).
Composite has MORE than 2 factors.
Common F-D-P Launch Chart
Half
1/2
0.5
50%
Quarter
1/4
0.25
25%
3 Quarters
3/4
0.75
75%
Fifth
1/5
0.20
20%
Tenth
1/10
0.1
10%
Grade 5 STAAR Math Reference
MISSION PAGE 01
Literacy Launchpad
STAAR Mission Control: Reading Language Arts
MODULE 02
Literary Elements
Theme: The central message or "life lesson" (e.g., courage, kindness).
Point of View: 1st Person (I, me, my) vs 3rd Person (he, she, they).
Plot Elements: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.
Conflict: Man vs. Self, Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society.
Figurative Language
Simile: Using "like" or "as". "Eyes like diamonds."
Metaphor: Direct comparison. "The sun was a golden coin."
Personification: Objects act human. "The wind roared."
Hyperbole: Exaggeration. "A million years to wait."
Idiom: Figure of speech. "A piece of cake."
Text Structures
Cause/Effect: because, since, if...then, as a result.
Compare/Contrast: similarly, however, both, unlike.
Sequence: first, next, finally, after, then.
Problem/Solution: issue, solve, difficulty, resolution.
Revision Checklist
A.R.M.S. (Revise)
- Add details
- Remove fluff
- Move order
- Substitute words
C.U.P.S. (Edit)
- Capitalize
- Usage (Grammar)
- Punctuation
- Spelling
Evidence is Everything
If it's not in the passage, it's not the answer! Use the passage as your map. If you can't point to the sentence that proves your answer, look again.
Grade 5 STAAR RLA Reference
MISSION PAGE 02
Science Station
STAAR Mission Control: Grade 5 Science
MODULE 03
Force, Motion & Energy
M.E.L.T.S. Energy: Mechanical, Electrical, Light, Thermal, Sound.
Light: Refraction (Bends in medium) vs. Reflection (Bounces off).
Force: Speed = Dist / Time. Friction (opposes motion), Gravity (pulls down).
Matter Properties
Classifying Matter: Mass, Magnetism, Density (Sink/Float), Solubility, Conductivity.
Physical Change: Size, shape, or state (ice melting). Still same substance!
Earth & Space
Rotation: 24h cycle. Day/Night.
Revolution: 365d orbit. Seasons.
Rapid Changes: Volcanos, Earthquakes, Landslides.
Slow Changes: Weathering, Erosion, Deposition (W.E.D.).
Life & Process
Food Webs: Energy starts at Sun → Producer (Plants) → Consumer → Decomposer.
Observe
Measure
Predict
Variable
The Digital Frontier (TEIs)
Drag & Drop
Read all labels! Some items can be used more than once. Re-read the completed statement.
Multi-Select
The prompt says "Select TWO" or "ALL that apply." Don't move on until you've found them all!
Inline Choice
Drop-down menus inside text. Select the word that makes the sentence scientifically or mathematically true.
Highlight Key Info
Use Digital Math Tools
Rule Out Wrong Choices
Grade 5 STAAR Science & Strategy
MISSION PAGE 03