3rd Grade Lesson Resources
Inquiry:
Third graders start off the year by exploring the difference between lemons and limes, figuring out why lemons float and limes do not. Students are introduced to the scientific process through an investigation using gobstoppers.
Life Science
Third graders focus on adaptations and life cycles of living things through a hands-on study of mealworms. Then students use CPO Crazy Trait boxes to complete an in-depth study and investigation of animal adaptations and heredity. Life science is wrapped up with an investigation about food chains and food webs.
iPad Apps:
Popplet or Puppet Pals - Show plant life cycles
Physical Science
Students are introduced to physics through an investigation about movement, force, and motion. They are introduced to simple machines and create a Rube Goldberg Machine/Bubble Gum Machine. They also explore other physical science concepts such as static electricity and magnets.
- Brain Pop Game - Simple Machines
- Simple Machine Interactive Site
- OK Go - Great example of a Rube Goldberg
iPad Apps:
Simple Physics
Earth and Space Science
Weather is the focus for third graders as they discover weather elements and what is used to help determine weather forecasting. They have the opportunity to discover weather conditions from around the world and compare to current conditions in their city. Students also participate in a brief look at fossils.
Engineering
- Fossil Layers in a bottle
- Strongest Newspaper Table - also refer to Simple Physics App
- Move a can in a race using static electricity
- New Living Creature - CPO Crazy Traits
- Rube Goldberg or Bubble Gum Machine
Energy Unit
Third graders focus on habitats and habitat conservation for their energy focus. They explore the local habitats around the school as well as research issues habitats face. They use their research to create a plan to recommend for habitat conservation. They compile the issues and their recommendations in a Google presentation.