3rd Grade Phenomenon Storylines   

What is an Anchoring Phenomenon?

Mystery Science 3rd Grade Student Notebook

Stanford 3D Short Performance Assessments (Life Science 3rd Grade)

Animals Through Time - 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.

The Importance of creating Active Learners

The Science Wonder of the Day

Mystery Packs:

You should have received your Mystery Pack at the start of the school year. This includes all you should need to pair your science instruction with your literacy resources. If you have not received your Mystery Pack or need additional supplies, please contact Gunilla Godebu at the St Vrain Science Center godebu_gunilla@svvsd.org 

Additional Hands on Options

Fossils in the Classroom - Enhancement Kit for 3rd Mystery Science Animals Through Time Unit. This kit consists of 5 investigations. Students will examine several fossil and non-fossil specimens, record observations in their notebooks and identify the type of fossil preservation. The 5 investigations are: "How Fossils Form," "Using Fossils to Date the Rocks," "Fossil Trackways," "Fossil Leaves and Climate Change," and "Fossil Teeth."

Colorado Wildlife Kits

Raptors - Feet, wings, skulls and tails of raptors are provided for this unit. Kit includes publications and Project Wild activities.

Animal Signs - Realia shows students how to recognize the animals that have been in the area through tracks, scat and other signs. Kit includes publications and Project Wild activities.

Herptiles - turtle shells and skull, publications, and Project Wild activities complete this kit on herptiles.

Mammal Hides - The hides of 17 mammals and the antlers and horns of 5 mammals provide students the opportunity to learn about mammals. Publications and Project Wild activities complete the kit.

Mammal Skulls - Skulls of twelve mammals are the centerpiece of this kit which also includes publications and Project Wild activities. This kit contains 2 parts.

Birds / Waterfowl - Duck and grouse wings and feathers, publications, and Project Wild activities create this kit on wetlands and migration.

Aging Deer & Elk - Real teeth and jaws show the growth and development of the mule deer and elk. This kit includes realia, selected publications and Project Wild activities.

• Mystery Science Refurbishments Supply List

• All St Vrain Science Center Kits & Models

• How to Check out Science Kits

PebbleGo Lessons / Activities / Videos

• Measurements

• Earth & Space Science

• Life Science

• Physical Science

Nearpod Lessons / Activities / Videos

• Animal Groups

• Fossil Evidence of Past Environments

• Habitats and Organism Survival

• Environmental Change Solution

Environmental Education Connections

• Boulder County EMovement

• EMovement 3rd Grade Guidelines    

• EE Virtual Learning Database

• Outdoor Education Storylines

STEM Connections

• St Vrain STEM By Design

• St Vrain STEM Extensions & Student Explore Boards

• Erie Elementary STEM Resources

• Colorado STEM Institutions (Museums & Zoos)

• Colorado STEM Resource Map

• Virtual Field Trips - National Parks, Space, Famous Landmarks, Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Historical Sites, Theme Parks & Stadiums

Elementary Report Card Indicators and Brochures

Prepared Graduates:

2-5 Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how individual organisms are configured and how these structures function to support life, growth, behavior and reproduction

2-6 Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how living systems interact with the biotic and abiotic environment. 

2-7 Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how genetic and environmental factors influence variation of organisms across generations.

2-8 Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how natural selection drives biological evolution accounting for the unity and diversity of organisms. 

Grade Level Expectation:

2.1 Organisms have unique and diverse life cycles.

2.2 Being part of a group helps animals obtain food, defend themselves and cope with changes.

2.3 Different organisms vary in how they look and function because they have different inherited information; the environment also affects the traits that an organism develops.

2.4 Some living organisms resemble organisms that once lived on Earth .

2.5 Sometimes differences in characteristics between individuals of the same species provide advantages in survival and reproduction.

Colorado Department of Education - Elementary Science Standards

Elementary Report Card Indicators and Brochures

Science Database

Offers elementary students a safe place to find answers to their questions, practice research skills, and explore a broad range of subjects like animals, science and more, all in one place. Gale in Context: Elementary\

3 Dimensional Science Assessments

This spreadsheet is a collection of existing assessments from across the country designed to support implementation of NGSS and similar state standards. The openly available tasks represent a wide range of task types and purposes. Some of these assessments are similar to what your students will experience on their 5th grade CMAS Exam. It is a good idea to introduce these types of assessments to students at all grade levels to better prepare them for success demonstrating their science knowledge.  Combined 3D Task Inventory

Career Connections

Connecting what students are learning to careers not only deepens their engagement in school but also helps them make more informed choices about their future. Browse the following related career profiles to discover what scientists really do on the job and what it takes to prepare for these careers. For additional profiles visit your Year at a Glance Page. Gale in Context: Scientist and Inventor Biographies

• Research Ecologist

• Conservation Photographer 

• Marine Biologist

• Wildlife Biologist

• Evolutionary Biologist

• Oceanographer 

• Geneticist 

• Marine Biologist

• Zoologist

Pebble Go Career Connections

• Earth & Space Science Careers

• Life Science Careers

• Physical Science Careers

Here are some Colorado-based career connections related to ecosystem change that you could explore:

Ecologist - Ecologists study ecosystems and how they change over time. You might find ecologists working at universities like the University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado State University.

Wildlife Biologist - These professionals work to understand the impacts of changes in ecosystems on wildlife. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife department employs many wildlife biologists.

Environmental Consultant - These experts help businesses and governments understand and mitigate their environmental impact. Consulting firms like SWCA Environmental Consultants, which has offices in Colorado, could be a connection.

Park Ranger - Working in national parks, rangers engage directly with ecosystem management and education. You might contact the Rocky Mountain National Park for potential guest speakers or field trips.

Forestry Technician - They work on the ground, often with the U.S. Forest Service, to manage forest ecosystems and study changes.

These connections could provide real-world insights and experiences for your students. You might consider inviting guest speakers from these fields or arranging field trips to relevant sites.