1: Scientific and Engineering Practices

3.1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

3.1.a: asking questions and defining problems

3.1.a.1: ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes

Pendulum Clock

3.1.a.2: ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed

Pendulum Clock

3.1.b: planning and carrying out investigations

3.1.b.1: with guidance, plan and conduct investigations

Pendulum Clock

3.1.b.2: use appropriate methods and/or tools for collecting data

Measuring Volume

3.1.b.3: estimate length, mass, volume, and temperature

Measuring Motion
Measuring Trees
Reaction Time 1 (Graphs and Statistics)
Weight and Mass

3.1.b.4: measure length, mass, volume, and temperature in metric and U.S. Customary units using proper tools

Measuring Trees
Measuring Volume
Reaction Time 1 (Graphs and Statistics)
Weight and Mass

3.1.b.5: measure elapsed time

Elapsed Time

3.1.c: interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

3.1.c.1: organize and represent data in pictographs or bar graphs

Graphing Skills

3.1.c.2: read, interpret, and analyze data represented in pictographs and bar graphs

Forest Ecosystem
Graphing Skills
Prairie Ecosystem

3.1.c.3: analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine if it works as intended

Trebuchet

3.1.d: constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

3.1.d.1: use evidence (measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation

Comparing Climates (Customary)

3.1.d.3: describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions

Trebuchet

3.1.e: developing and using models

3.1.e.2: develop a model (e.g., diagram or simple physical prototype) to illustrate a proposed object, tool, or process

Trebuchet

2: Force, Motion, and Energy

3.2: The student will investigate and understand that the direction and size of force affects the motion of an object. Key ideas include

3.2.a: multiple forces may act on an object;

Free Fall Tower
Weight and Mass

3.2.c: simple machines increase or change the direction of a force; and

Levers

3.2.d: simple and compound machines have many applications.

Levers

4: Living Systems and Processes

3.4: The student will investigate and understand that adaptations allow organisms to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment. Key ideas include

3.4.a: populations may adapt over time;

Effect of Environment on New Life Form

3.4.b: adaptations may be behavioral or physical; and

Comparing Climates (Customary)
Effect of Environment on New Life Form
Honeybee Hive

3.5: The student will investigate and understand that aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms. Key ideas include

3.5.b: relationships exist among organisms in an ecosystem.

Forest Ecosystem
Plants and Snails
Prairie Ecosystem

5: Earth and Space Systems

3.6: The student will investigate and understand that soil is important in ecosystems. Key ideas include

3.6.b: soil provides support and nutrients necessary for plant growth.

Growing Plants

3.7: The student will investigate and understand that there is a water cycle and water is important to life on Earth. Key ideas include

3.7.a: there are many reservoirs of water on Earth;

Water Cycle

3.7.b: the energy from the sun drives the water cycle; and

Water Cycle

3.7.c: the water cycle involves specific processes.

Water Cycle

6: Earth Resources

3.8: The student will investigate and understand that natural events and humans influence ecosystems. Key ideas include

3.8.a: human activity affects the quality of air, water, and habitats;

Pond Ecosystem