Science
Science
Children possess an innate sense of curiosity, which should be encouraged and fostered during their elementary school years. It is during this period that children develop fundamental thinking habits that will accompany them throughout their lives and shape their perspectives of the world. Consequently, it becomes a crucial opportunity to impart essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. By nurturing their inquisitiveness, guiding their explorations, and empowering them to figure things out independently, we equip each child with the most valuable skill they can possess. We utilize Mystery Science to support our instructional goals and enhance outcomes for learners.
Third Grade Science Curriculum
To learn more about the NYS Science Standards, please visit New York State Education Department P-12 Science Learning Standards Webpage .
Fossils & Changing Environments
In this unit, students develop an understanding of how animals and their environments change through time. Fossils provide a window into the animals and habitats of the past. Analyzing the traits of animals provides evidence for how those traits vary, how they are inherited, and how they have changed over time. Students also examine how the environment can affect inherited traits and determine which animals will survive in a particular environment.
Life Cycles
In this unit, students compare and contrast the life cycles of both animals and plants. Students create models to build an understanding that all organisms share certain stages in their life cycles: birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Students also explore how an understanding of life cycles can aid in solving problems that occur when there are too many or too few organisms in a particular environment.
*NYS Science Investigation: Circle of Life
Heredity, SUrvival, & Selection
In this unit, students compare the structures and functions of traits that enable organisms to survive in a specific environment. Analyzing the traits of animals provides evidence for how those traits vary, how they are inherited, and how they have changed over time through selection. Students also examine how the environment can affect inherited traits and determine which animals will survive in a particular environment.
Weather & Climate
In this unit, students investigate and make predictions about the weather through careful observation of the clouds and wind. Students also learn to differentiate between weather and climate and use models to reveal global climate patterns.
*NYS Science Investigation: Cloud in a Bottle
FOrces, MOtion, & Magnets
In this unit, students explore the forces all around them. They investigate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces, the pushes and pulls of bridge structures, and the effects of friction on the motion of objects. Students also explore the power of magnetic forces and investigate firsthand how these forces can be used to help us in our everyday lives.
Home-School Connection
