Science

The third grade science curriculum included life cycles, matter and energy, simple machines, and the water cycle. Each science unit included a variety of hands on experiments, which students completed in cooperative learning groups. We emphasized the scientific method in each experiment throughout the year. The science class was a heterogeneous group, thus a variety of methods was used to reach every type and level of learner. Technology was used as an extension to the lessons and to the experiments to differentiate to each level and learning style. Students worked on websites including brainpop.com and edheads.com to show them more real world examples.

Water Cycle Students used Kidspiration to create a visual representation of the water cycle. Simple Machines In one Morning Message (completed by students as they entered the class), during our study of Simple Machines, I had the students give an example of a simple machine. This kind of activity allowed students who were clear on the topic to share what they know. At the same time, those who were not as clear about simple machines could see some examples to help them understand the concept better. The "NO Repeats" also forces those students who like to take cues from others without thinking on their own to come up with a new idea. Simple Machines Inventions As an end of unit project, students had to create an invention using only simple machines. This was a difficult task considering the technology-filled world where these students live.