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Elementary Full Curriculum Science for 3rd Grade, Part 1
Susan Laforet, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(156)
Rising Star
This 12 week course follows the pacing of the first semester of 3rd grade science, covering science processes and procedures, force and motion, simple machines, properties of matter, forms of energy, natural resources, and weather.
Class Experience
US Grade 3
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
This 12 week course will cover the first semester of 3rd grade science content in an engaging and interactive style. Students will be encouraged to question, explore, analyze, and make conclusions about science content through the best practices supported by National Science Teacher's Association guidelines. All lessons will be based on the 5E model of inquiry science, which allows students to make their own discoveries, supported by the teacher and will include appropriate academic...
7 units//24 lessons//12 Weeks
Unit 1Science ProcessesScience Processes2 lessons1 WeekWeek 1Lesson 1Science SafetyIn this lesson, students will complete an interest inventory, set up science journals, and learn how scientists work safely in the lab.Lesson 2Science ToolsWe will explore the tools scientists use, what they are for, and how they are used in our class.Unit 2Force and MotionForce and Motion4 lessons2 WeeksWeek 2Lesson 3What is a Force?Science Investigation: Force and SlopeLesson 4GravityScience Investigation: Exploring GravityWeek 3Lesson 5FrictionScience Investigation: Exploring FrictionLesson 6MagnetismScience Investigation: Exploring MagnetismUnit 3Properties of MatterProperties of Matter4 lessons2 WeeksWeek 4Lesson 7States of MatterUnderstanding three states of matter and how each can be described.Lesson 8Temperature Changes MatterScience Investigation: How does temperature affect matter?Week 5Lesson 9Density and BuoyancyScience Investigation: Density and BuoyancyLesson 10Mixing MatterScience Investigation: Creating and Separating MixturesUnit 4Forms of EnergyForms of Energy2 lessons1 WeekWeek 6Lesson 11Mechanical Energy and Sound EnergyScience Investigations: Demonstrating and identifying mechanical energy and sound energyLesson 12Light Energy and Heat EnergyScience Investigations: Demonstrating and identifying light energy and heat energyUnit 5WeatherWeather6 lessons3 WeeksWeek 7Lesson 13What is Weather?Students will learn where weather occurs, begin a weather journal, and conduct an investigation to observe the water cycle. As we move through the unit we will compare their weather journals to the new information we learn in each lesson.Lesson 14Observing Weather: PrecipitationStudents will learn about forms of precipitation, what causes each one, and make their own rain gauge.Week 8Lesson 15Observing Weather: WindStudents will learn how the Sun causes wind, then make their own weather vane and anemometer.Lesson 16Observing Weather: TemperatureStudents will learn how temperature and humidity can affect how weather feels, then make their own hygrometer to measure humidity.Week 9Lesson 17How Does Latitude Affect Weather?Students will learn about lines of latitude and longitude and how the location of a place on the planet determines the type of weather it has.Lesson 18Reading Weather MapsStudents will learn how meteorologists record the weather on maps, what the symbols mean, and then create a weather map of their region.Unit 6Natural ResourcesNatural Resources3 lessons2 WeeksWeek 10Lesson 19Introduction to Natural ResourcesStudents will learn what natural resources are and classify them as renewable or nonrenewable.Lesson 20Uses of Natural ResourcesStudents will differentiate between natural resources and products.Week 11Lesson 21Conservation of Natural ResourcesUnderstand why conservation of resources is important and learn ways to save resources in their own lives.Unit 7Semester Wrap UpSemester Wrap Up3 lessons2 WeeksWeek 11Lesson 22Introduction of Semester ProjectStudents will explore the product menu for the semester project. They will decide if they want to work on their own or with a partner, and then select a topic. Class discussion and brainstorming.Week 12Lesson 23Project Work TimeStudents will spend the class working on their projects in breakout rooms. Teacher will move through the groups for questions and discussion.Lesson 24Project Presentations and Semester Wrap UpStudents will present semester projects to the class. We will complete self evaluations and play and end of semester digital escape room covering all of the topics learned during the semester.
- Students will learn scientific process and procedures through the content typically taught in the first semester of 3rd grade. Strands include Nature of Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science.
I taught 5th grade science in the largest public school system in my state for 17 years. During that time I attended intense science training programs led by Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and i3Laser through the Smithsonian Institution/Department of Education. I was honored as Teacher of the Year on my campus and a finalist for the District Teacher of the Year. After 17 years, I moved from the classroom to become a STEM instructional coach, supporting teachers across the district in the STEM content areas, and finally as a math and science instructional coach, leading professional development and supporting teachers and students at low performing campuses. I retired from the school district in 2021, and now I am blessed to focus on instilling the love of science in students without the requirements of state and district assessments. In my classes, students will learn and love science; they will not learn how to take science tests!
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: Some weeks will have short assignments for students to complete individually, typically requiring no more than 30 minutes. There will be a final semester project based on student choice from a product menu to summarize learning in the course.Assessment
Frequency: includedDetails: Formative assessment will be embedded throughout the course through a variety of games and activities. Parents will be provided with a written report at the end of the course.Grading
Frequency: includedDetails: Students and parents will be provided with a teacher created rubric as a final course assessment.
Students will keep an interactive science notebook throughout the course, using a standard composition book. They will also need general art supplies (colored pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, ruler, etc.). Specific supplies for inquiry lessons will be posted on the class page at least 2 weeks prior to the lesson. Most will be easily available around the house. A complete supply may be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HRPoQDKe_q-VbSfZpUC_gM_--zhcJR3Q/view?usp=drive_link.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Some YouTube videos will be included, all of which are pre-screened for content and appropriate instructional level, and some created by the teacher. Lessons will be presented through the interactive Nearpod platform and will sometimes include Google applications, (docs and slides). Students will upload their assignments to the class page or to a designated Google Drive folder, open only to the teacher and enrolled students. Some Kahoot games will be used for assessment and engagement.
This class will follow best practices guidelines as set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association and Next Generation Science Standards.
Joined July, 2021
4.9
156reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University
I have been sharing my love of science and math with elementary students in public schools for over 26 years. I served most of that time in the classroom and then moved into Instructional Coaching to help other teachers improve their practice in...
Reviews
Group Class
$250
for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
50 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
1-8 learners per class
