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- Science: 3rd Grade
North Carolina - Science: 3rd Grade
Standard Course of Study | Adopted: 2023
1: : Matter and its Interactions
PS.3.1: : Understand the structure and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change.
PS.3.1.2: : Carry out investigations to classify solids, liquids, and gases based on their basic properties.
Phases of Water
Heat or cool a container of water and observe the phase changes that take place. Use a magnifying glass to observe water molecules as a solid, liquid, or gas. Compare the volumes of the three phases of water. 5 Minute Preview
PS.3.1.3: : Engage in argument from evidence to explain observable changes to the properties of matter when heated or cooled.
Phases of Water
Heat or cool a container of water and observe the phase changes that take place. Use a magnifying glass to observe water molecules as a solid, liquid, or gas. Compare the volumes of the three phases of water. 5 Minute Preview
3: : Energy
PS.3.3: : Understand how energy can be transferred from one object to another.
PS.3.3.2: : Carry out investigations to explain how energy can be transferred from a warmer object to a cooler one by contact or at a distance.
Conduction and Convection
Two flasks hold colored water, one yellow and the other blue. Set the starting temperature of each flask, choose a type of material to connect the flasks, and see how quickly the flasks heat up or cool down. The flasks can be connected with a hollow pipe, allowing the water in the flasks to mix, or a solid chunk that transfers heat but prevents mixing. 5 Minute Preview
Heat Absorption
Shine a powerful flashlight on a variety of materials, and measure how quickly each material heats up. See how the light angle, light color, type of material, and material color affect heating. A glass cover can be added to simulate a greenhouse. 5 Minute Preview
5: : Ecosystems- Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
LS.3.3: : Understand how environmental factors aid in the survival of plants.
LS.3.3.1: : Carry out investigations to explain how environmental conditions determine how well plants survive and grow.
Growing Plants
Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs. 5 Minute Preview
Measuring Trees
Measure the height, diameter, and circumference of trees in a forest. Count growth rings to determine the age of each tree. Grow the trees for several years and investigate how growth is affected by precipitation. 5 Minute Preview
6: : Earth’s Place in the Universe
ESS.3.1: : Remember the major components and patterns observed in the earth/moon/sun system.
ESS.3.1.1: : Use models to recognize that the Earth is part of a system called the solar system that includes the sun (a star), planets, and many moons, and that the Earth is the third planet from the sun.
Solar System
Explore our solar system and learn the characteristics of each planet. Compare the sizes of planets and their distances from the Sun. Observe the speeds of planetary orbits and measure how long each planet takes to go around the Sun. 5 Minute Preview
Correlation last revised: 11/30/2023
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Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
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