Science - 3rd Grade

Content Overview:

Science in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade is focused on a central theme.  The science theme in the grade 3-5 grade band is Interconnections within Systems. This theme focuses on helping students develop the skills for systematic discovery to understand the science of the physical world around them in greater depth by using scientific inquiry. In the elementary years, all students work to become proficient in the use of the scientific processes to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas. Third grade students will be studying Rocks and Minerals, Life Cycles, and Matter and will be engaged in various investigations to further explore the concepts within those topics.

Textbooks:

Variety of authentic literature

Assessments:

Formative and summative classroom assessments

 

Standards/Learning Goals

Ohio’s Learning Standards in Science are comprised of 3 strands: Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. The content statements listed below state what students should learn and understand in each discipline.

1st Quarter - Physical Science - Matter and Forms of Energy

  • This topic focuses on the relationship between matter and energy. Matter has specific properties and is found in all substances on Earth. Heat is a familiar form of energy that can change the states of matter.
    • All objects and substances in the natural world are composed of matter
    • Matter exists in different states, each of which has different properties
    • Heat, electrical energy, light, sound and magnetic energy are forms of energy

3rd Quarter - Earth and Space Science - Earth's Resources

  • This topic focuses on Earth’s resources. While resources can be living and nonliving, within this strand, the emphasis is on Earth’s nonliving resources, such as water, air, rock, soil and the energy resources they represent.
    • Earth’s nonliving resources have specific properties
    • Earth’s resources can be used for energy
    • Some of Earth’s resources are limited

4th Quarter - Life Science - Behavior, Growth and Changes

  • This topic explores life cycles of organisms and the relationship between the natural environment and an organism’s (physical and behavioral) traits, which affect its ability to survive and reproduce.
    • Offspring resemble their parents and each other
    • Individuals of the same kind differ in their traits and sometimes the differences give individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing
    • Plants and animals have life cycles that are part of their adaptations for survival in their natural environments