|
|
GRADE 3 SCIENCE CURRICULUM
SCIENCE PROCESSESInquiry Process Students Will: Make purposeful observation of the natural world using the appropriate senses. Generate questions based on observations. Plan and conduct simple and fair investigations. Manipulate simple tools that aid observation and data collection. (for example: hand lens, balance, ruler, measuring cup, watch/timer) Make accurate measurements with appropriate units. Construct simple charts and graphs from data and observations. Inquiry Analysis and Communication Students Will: Summarize information from charts and graphs to answer scientific questions. Share ideas about science through purposeful conversation in collaborative groups. Communicate and present findings of observations and investigations. Develop research strategies and skills for information gathering and problem solving. Compare and contrast sets of data from multiple trials of a science investigation to explain reasons for differences. Reflection and Social Implications Students Will: Demonstrate scientific concepts through various illustrations, performances, models, exhibits and activities. Use data/samples as evidence to separate fact from opinion. Use evidence when communicating scientific ideas. Identify Technology used in everyday life. Identify current problems that may be solved through the use of technology. Describe the effect humans and other organisms have on the balance of the natural world. Describe how people have contributed to science throughout history and across cultures. PHYSICAL SCIENCEForce and Motion Gravity Students Will: Identify the force that pulls objects towards the Earth. Force Students Will: Describe how a push or pull is a force Relate a change in motion of an object to the force that caused the change of motion. Demonstrate how the change in motion of an object is related to the strength of the force acting upon the object and to the mass of the object Demonstrate when an object does not move in response to a force, it is because another force is acting on it. Speed Students Will: Energy Forms of Energy Students Will: Identify light and sound as forms of energy. Light Properties Students Will: Demonstrate that light travels in a straight line and that shadows are made by placing objects in the path of light. Demonstrate what happens to light when it travels from water to air. (straw half in water looks bent) Sound Students Will: Relate sounds to their sources of vibrations (for example: a musical note produced by a vibrating guitar string, the sounds of a drum made by the vibrating drum head.) Distinguish the effect of fast or slow vibrations as pitch. Properties of Matter Conductive and Reflective Properties Students Will: Demonstrate how some materials are heated more than others by light that shines on them. Explain how we need light to see objects: light from a source reflects off objects and enters our eyes. LIFE SCIENCEOrganization of Living Things Structures and Functions Students Will: Describe the function of the following plant parts: flower, stem, root and leaf. Identify and compare structures in animals used for controlling body temperature, support, movement, food-getting and protection (for example: fur, wings, teeth, claws). Classification Students Will: Classify plants on the basis of observable physical characteristics (roots, leaves, stems, flowers) Classify animals on the basis of observable physical characteristics (backbone, skin shell, limbs and scales). Evolution Environmental Adaptations Students Will: Relate characteristics and function of observable parts in the a variety of plants that allow them to live in their environment (for example: leaf shape, thorns, odor, color). Relate characteristics and function of observable body parts to the ability of animals to live in their environment (for example: sharp teeth, claws, color, body covers). EARTH SCIENCEEarth Systems Natural Resources Students Will: Identify natural resources (metals, fuels, fresh water, farmland and forests) Classify renewable (fresh water, farmland, forests) and non-renewable (fuels, metals) resources. Describe way humans are protecting, extending and restoring resources (recycle, reuse, reduce, renewal). Recognize that paper, metal, glass and some plastics can be recycled. Human Impact Students Will: Describe ways humans are dependent on the natural environment (forests, water, clean air, earth material) and constructed environments (homes, neighborhoods, shopping malls, factories and industry). Solid Earth Earth Materials Students Will: Recognize and describe different types of earth materials (mineral, rock, clay, boulder, gravel, sand and soil). Recognize that rocks are made up of minerals. Surface Changes Students Will: Identify and describe natural causes of change in the Earth’s surface (erosion, glaciers, volcanoes, landslides and earthquakes). Using Earth Materials Students Will: Identify Earth materials used to construct some common objects (for example: bricks, buildings, roads, glass). Describe how materials taken from the Earth can be used as fuels for heating and transportation.
|