Grade 3

Deductive Reasoning

How can information be organized to help with the decision making process?

In this unit of study, students use deductive reasoning to solve a mystery by making valid assumptions, determining dangerous generalizations, and recognizing false pretenses in order to eliminate suspects until left with the real culprit.

Students should understand that syllogisms help with drawing conclusions, generalizations can be dangerous, assumptions should be supported by facts and a hypothesis can be revised as new information is obtained.

The Invention Process

What motivates an inventor?

Students study the role of the inventor . Using problem based activities and discussions, students explore the role of the inventor, as a creative problem solver. Each child researches a selected inventor and prepares a presentation that chronicles the invention process and inventor’s accomplishments. They gain insight into the creative process of inventing as they research inventors and see how their inventions have changed our lives. Students should be able to describe the process of invention, what led an inventor them to invent and explain the patent for a specific invention.

How does the invention process lead to an invention that solves a problem?

Students gain insight into the creative process of inventing as learn the process of invention development and implementation of the process by creating an original invention. Students should be able to identify and personal problem to be solved through the invention process, properly research the problem and potential solutions, design, test and redesign a prototype.

Wordmasters

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy?

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the WordMasters Challenge. Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.

Spontaneous Problem Solving

How can reflection and metacognition be used to expand ways of thinking and develop more uncommon responses?

Students will complete Spontaneous Problem Solving tasks, adapted from the international Odyssey of the Mind program requiring divergent thinking – the ability to generate a great number and wide variety of solutions - in a limited amount of time. Students should be able to identify a solution to the presented problem and use reflection and metacognition to provide uncommon responses.

Third Grade Curriculum Overview (video)

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