3rd Grade Science

Photo Albums:

NEW: 2020-2021 / 2019-2020 / 2018-2019 / May, 2019: Science Fair Preparation

Curriculum:

LWS Science Curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

2019 First Term:

October - November: “Invisible Forces.”

Last month in science we started our unit on forces, called “Invisible Forces.” First, the children learned how almost any action one can imagine consists of a push or a pull, or as scientists call them: a force. The children made Hopper Poppers, tested and recorded how high the Hoppers can pop. In our People and Inventions unit, we studied Isaac Newton and Newton's Three Laws of Motion. We measured forces using a force meter (also known as a Newton meter). In groups children made beautiful posters and short presentations about Newton. In addition, the children completed a Balloon Rocket Blast Off Experiment. We then moved to our Engineering Project lesson. Reviewed and compared the steps of the STEM Engineering Process and the Scientific Method. Equipped with enhanced knowledge of the Engineering Process, the children proceeded to building their Imaginary Structures. What a feast of ideas and various designs, absolutely wonderful!

2018 First Term:

This fall, the third grade class focused on Physical and Life Science.

In Physical Science, the children started by reviewing matter and its interactions. We completed an experiment on thermal insulators and conductors. We then covered forces and motion, forms of energy, and energy transformation. In small groups, students performed experiments on “Speedy Energy” where we noticed that a ball or a toy car's motion changes when there is a change in the force acting on them. We discovered that an object’s energy is related to its speed.

In our electricity unit, we explored static electricity, atom and atomic structure, and a Van De Graaff Generator. In our section on Life Science, we covered life cycles of organisms and plant life cycles. The children learned that the entire process of growing, producing seeds, and germination is the plant life cycle. In addition, the class explored photosynthesis as part of the topic.

In our Scientists and Inventors unit we explored the life adventures of Amelia Earhart and Isaac Newton.

Our class lessons include hands-on activities, fill-in notes, group games and experiments, and regular assessments in the form of simple “Show What You Know” or crossword activities. During almost every class we perform experiments that support the current topic. In small groups the children worked on an engineering project - building a Trebuchet. As a class, the children started planning and researching topics for the Class Science Fair Project.

Additional learning opportunities are also available in the form of the National Geographic Explorer Magazine. This monthly publication helps keep the students focused on an expanded view of current science topics in all three branches of science; Earth, Physical, and Life Science.