Grade Three Science

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will conduct investigations using the processes of scientific inquiry Access information from a variety of reliable sources Design and conduct observational and experimental investigations Select and use appropriate tools to collect and record data, measure data, and make observations Ask questions about phenomena, make predictions, and formulate explanations Use classification systems Use scientific vocabulary in reporting observations Organize and explain data graphically Analyze and interpret data from observations and investigations Construct representative models of phenomena Describe objects, procedures, and results orally and in writing Summarize and state conclusions of scientific investigations

B. PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Students will explore the position and motion of objects Investigate ways to change the motion of objects Infer that objects moving faster will travel further in a given time Investigate how changes in force cause changes in motion
Students will explore characteristics of light, heat, electricity, and magnetism Investigate and describe the properties of light (examples: reflection, refraction, absorption, and color) Explore different materials to determine those that transmit, partially transmit, or block light

C. LIFE SCIENCE

Students will identify characteristics that determine groups of organisms Appreciate the diversity among living things Compare behaviors of animals (examples: protecting their young, living in groups, domestication, types of shelters) Compare specific structures of different animals that enable them to survive
Students will study how organisms survive in distinct environments Investigate how living things who share the same environment are interdependent Give examples of relationships that interact in food chains and food webs Compare environments that support a diversity of plants and animals

D. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Students will compare properties of the Earth materials Investigate methods that scientists use to classify rocks, minerals, and soils (examples: appearance, texture, hardness) Experiment with different soils to determine their capacity to support life Identify types of resources found in the Earth (examples: minerals, water, gas) and how humans use these materials Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources Explain how fossils provide evidence of the Earth’s history
Students will distinguish between objects in the sky Investigate and describe the properties of the sun, moon, and stars Observe and describe prominent constellations in the sky
Students will describe changes in Earth and sky Explain how the path of the sun across the sky changes during the year Provide evidence that the moon’s cycle is 28 days

E. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will investigate the use of different technologies Examine unfamiliar tools and infer how they are used Identify materials used in a variety of objects Conduct simple product testing
Students will demonstrate inquiry abilities in technology design Identify a problem in the immediate environment and propose possible solutions Establish criteria for effective solutions Explore possible solutions in small groups/or class Implement proposed solution and evaluate results Communicate methods and solutions (orally, written, or pictorial)
Students will distinguish between natural and man-made objects Classify materials and objects as either natural or designed by humans

F. SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

Students will practice safety Demonstrate personal and group safety when engaging in science activities
Students will understand characteristics and changes in populations Investigate changes that are currently occurring in populations of organisms in the local environment
Students will know the importance of resources Compare availability of important resources within the local environment Find ways to reduce dependence upon limited natural resources within the local environment
Students will describe changes in environments Investigate and describe environmental factors that affect organisms, including the quality of life for humans Evaluate the effects of natural changes that occur in the environment (examples: earthquakes, volcanoes, floods)

G. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students will describe science as a human endeavor Recognize that science is an activity that students can do in the classroom Identify men and women from different cultures who have contributed to science and technology