What's Happening in Third Grade

Earth's Systems and Biological Evolution 

The third-grade students began this month by exploring various climates on Earth and the factors that influence them. The students learned that mountains act as barriers to winds carrying moisture, causing the air to rise over the landform. The side of the mountain that first encounters the wind receives plenty of rain, while the opposite side receives very little. 

The students also studied the natural events and human activities that contribute to climate change. Volcanic eruptions and shifting ocean currents are natural occurrences that can impact the climate. In contrast, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, produce carbon dioxide, which leads to climate change. 

Additionally, the students explored how variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species can provide advantages for survival. They learned how physical and behavioral adaptations help plants and animals thrive in their habitats. To conclude their studies, the students examined the beaks of different birds and used materials to model their eating methods to determine which beak worked best!

Weather, Climate, and Severe Weather Structures 

Third-grade students have recently begun a new unit focused on understanding weather and climate. They have studied the relationship between weather and the atmosphere, and how water affects the weather. Understanding different weather conditions is essential in determining the materials people use to build structures. To expand their learning, the third-grade students received a challenging question: "How can people reduce the impact of a hurricane?" In response, the students divided into pairs and designed and constructed hurricane-proof houses that could withstand strong winds and rain. They chose materials to build their model houses and roofs. A watering can and an electric hair dryer simulated storm-like winds and flooding during the structure tests. The students recorded their observations and presented their results to the class. The students' efforts were remarkable!

Life Cycles and Inherited Traits

This month, the third-grade girls began studying inherited traits and life cycles. They researched various plants and animals and used this information to create models representing different life cycles. After crafting their unique life cycle models, the girls continued their investigation by examining how traits in living things vary. The students collected data on a group of kittens using photographs. They observed various traits, such as fur patterns, eye color, ear shape, and nose color. The girls compared the kittens to their parents and recorded their observations on a chart. After analyzing the data, they shared their findings with the group. Through this exercise, the girls learned that trait variations can occur within a species. They also applied their knowledge to identify differences in plants of the same species. Overall, this activity helped the third-grade scientists appreciate the importance of observing and recording variations within a species, which can have significant implications for fields such as genetics and biology.

Magnetic STEM Challenge

To conclude their study of forces and interactions, the third-grade students participated in a STEM challenge to design and build a self-latching container. The girls began by defining a simple design problem, considering specific criteria for success and the constraints related to materials and time. They generated and compared multiple possible solutions to determine how well each one met the established criteria and constraints.

They also focused on a design problem that applied scientific principles associated with magnets. Throughout this challenge, the girls engaged in critical inquiry by asking questions, defining problems, and developing and using models. They also applied mathematics and computational thinking, constructed explanations, designed solutions, and gathered, evaluated, and communicated information.

Forces and Interactions

This month, the third-grade girls focused on motion and stability, specifically investigating forces and interactions. They started their research by testing various materials to determine which items are attracted to a magnet. The scientists were surprised to discover that not all metals are magnetic! Next, the students demonstrated that magnetism is a non-contact force. In their second investigation, they explored the effects of magnetic fields. They independently conducted an experiment to measure the distance at which two magnets begin to attract. Well done, scientists! Well done, scientists!

Force and Motion Stations and a Magnet Challenge

The third-grade girls worked in teams to review their knowledge of force and motion. The stations included reading a science article, reviewing vocabulary from the unit, and organizing examples of force into categories: those that cause motion and those that slow or stop motion. At the final station, the girls created a winter scene along with a snowman, which stood upright with the help of a binder clip. Using a magnet placed under the plate, the girls then navigated their snowmen through the winter scene!

Investigation Design

This month, the third-grade scientists applied their knowledge of forces and the patterns of how they interact. They planned and conducted descriptive investigations to explore the role of friction when objects come into contact with each other. The students created a testable question to compare how far a toy car would travel on three different surfaces. They outlined their procedures, listed the materials needed, and conducted their investigation, collecting and comparing the data they gathered. After reviewing their findings, the students wrote and presented their conclusions to the group.

Position and Motion

This month, the third-grade scientists studied how forces affect an object's position on the playground. The students observed various equipment, including the slide, climbing wall, monkey bars, and a kickball. Their task was to determine whether pushes or pulls changed each object's position, and then draw and describe how the position changed.

The students also explored how the position and motion of a balloon rocket change when the air inside it is released. They worked together to set up and launch their balloon rockets. Through this activity, the third graders discovered that the balloon rocket moved and changed position due to thrust, which is a pushing force.  

Gravity

In September, the third-grade scientists explored the force of gravity. They started by asking, "How are a ball and a feather affected by gravity?" The students worked in groups, dropping both objects at the same time and then repeating the experiment after placing them in plastic bottles. Without the bottles, the objects hit the ground at different speeds. However, when dropped in the bottles, they landed simultaneously. Through this experiment, the students found out that air resistance causes the feather to fall more slowly.

Next, the students compared how gravity affects different objects. They carefully hung five different items using rubber bands and paperclips. They concluded that weight is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass.

Finally, the scientists tested the claim that a toy car will travel farther when released from a higher ramp compared to a lower one. The groups collaborated to formulate their hypotheses, design their ramps, and collect data to test their theories. Great job, scientists!

Science Scavenger Hunt

The third-grade students began their year with an outdoor scavenger hunt designed to review the science concepts they had previously learned. Before going outside, the students discussed topics such as magnetism, buoyancy, natural resources, and the states and properties of matter. During the hunt, they identified objects in motion, measured shadows, and observed the clouds, among other things. The third-grade scientists worked diligently and are now prepared to expand their scientific knowledge this year!