Third Grade Science-Core Curriculum Class for First Semester

Third grade science topics taught in this first semester class include:
1. Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
2. From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
3. Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics
The Next Generation Science Standards (nextgenscience.org) will be used to guide course instruction and ensure learners have the needed skills for second semester and fourth grade.

In keeping with the Next Generation Science standards, science and engineering practices along with crosscutting concepts will be incorporated as learners participate in class. For example, when learners study forces and motion they will create a model of a roller coaster (engineering) and make predictions as to how the direction and speed of the roller coaster train can change (crosscutting concept).

Specific weekly objectives for this course:
1. Determine the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
2. Design a roller coaster to demonstrate understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces and motion patterns.
3. Describe the relationship of electric or magnetic objects.
4. Design a simple project that an be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
5. State that all organisms have unique and diverse life cycle but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction and death.
6. Create a model to show the life cycle of a plant (learner may choose a plant of his/her interest).
7. Create a model to show the life cycle of an animal (leaner my choose an animal of his/her interest).
8. Research an animal and report on how it survives, alone or in a group. Finding supporting evidence to back up claim will be required.
9. Present research to teach others about their animals from week 8.
10. End of semester challenge will be presented to learners. Learners will choose to demonstrate understanding of one of the three main standards from this semester by participating in a challenge to create a product using the EDP. Challenges include:
a. Create a device to keep two moving objects from touching each other.
b. Design an imaginary animal and tell its life cycle.
c. Write an opinion piece to tell why lions live in a pride.
11. Learners will present project to the class.
12. Continue project presentations and celebrate a great semester. 

The class will be structured as teacher facilitated and interactive. Learners will be engaged in games, discussions, videos and hands-on projects. My teaching style is relaxed and inclusive. I encourage learner participation and questions. The classroom is 'ours' not 'mine'. Learners will have many opportunities to interact with me and their classmates each week.