In third grade Science, students learn concepts in units based on the strands in the Virginia Standards of Learning:

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, andLogic

Scientific Investigation embedded within units

• 3.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
• a) predictions and observations are made;
• b) objects with similar characteristics are classified into at least two sets and two subsets;
• c) questions are developed to formulate hypotheses;
• d) volume is measured to the nearest milliliter and liter;
• e) length is measured to the nearest centimeter;
• f) mass is measured to the nearest gram;
• g) data are gathered, charted, and graphed (line plot, picture graph, and bar graph);
• h) temperature is measured to the nearest degree in Celsius;
• i) time is measured to the nearest minute;
• j) inferences are made and conclusions are drawn; and
• k) natural events are sequenced chronologically.

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Force, Motion and Energy

The Physics of Toys Unit - currently taught in Second Grade

• 3.2 The student will investigate and understand simple machines and their uses.  Key concepts include:
• a) types of simple machines (lever, screw, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge);
• b) how simple machines function;
• c) compound machines (scissors, wheelbarrow, and bicycle); and
• d) examples of simple and compound machines found in the school, home, and work environment.

Matter

Mystery Powders

• 3.3 The student will investigate and understand that objects are made of materials that can be described by their physical properties. Key concepts include
• a) objects are made of one or more materials;
• b) materials are composed of parts that are too small to be seen without magnification; and
• c) physical properties remain the same as the material is reduced in size.

Life Processes

Butterflies

• 3.4 The student will investigate and understand that behavioral and physical adaptations allow animals to respond to life needs. Key concepts include
• a) methods of gathering and storing food, finding shelter, defending themselves, and rearing young; and
• b) hibernation, migration, camouflage, mimicry, instinct, and learned behavior.

Living Systems

Butterflies

• 3.5 The student will investigate and understand relationships among organisms in aquatic and terrestrial food chains. Key concepts include
• a) producer, consumer, decomposer;
• b) herbivore, carnivore, omnivore; and
• c) predator and prey

Animals and Their Environments - currently taught in second grade

• 3.6 The student will investigate and understand that environments support a diversity of plants and animals that share limited resources.  Key concepts include:
• a) water-related environments (pond, marshland, swamp, river, and ocean environments);
• b) dry-land environments (desert, grassland, rain forest, and forest environments); and
• c) population and community.

Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems

Rocks, Minerals, and Soils

• 3.7 The student will investigate and understand the major components of soil, its origin, and importance to plants and animals including humans. Key concepts include
• a) soil provides the support and nutrients necessary for plant growth;
• b) topsoil is a natural product of subsoil and bedrock;
• c) rock, clay, silt, sand, and humus are components of soils; and
• d) soil is a natural resource and should be conserved.

Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change

Our Changing Earth

• 3.8 The student will investigate and understand basic patterns and cycles occurring in nature. Key concepts include
• a) patterns of natural events (day and night, seasonal changes, phases of the moon, and tides); and
• b) animal and plant life cycles.
• 3.9 The student will investigate and understand the water cycle and its relationship to life on Earth. Key concepts include
• a) the energy from the sun drives the water cycle;
• b) processes involved in the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation);
• c) water is essential for living things; and
• d) water supply and water conservation.

Resources

Rocks, Minerals, and Soils

• 3.10 The student will investigate and understand that natural events and human influences can affect the survival of species.  Key concepts include:
• c) the effects of fire, flood, disease, and erosion on organisms; and
• d) conservation and resource renewal.

Our Changing Earth

• 3.10 The student will investigate and understand that natural events and human influences can affect the survival of species. Key concepts include
• a) the interdependency of plants and animals;
• b) the effects of human activity on the quality of air, water, and habitat;
• c) the effects of fire, flood, disease, and erosion on organisms; and
• d) conservation and resource renewal.
• 3.11 The student will investigate and understand different sources of energy. Key concepts include
• a) the sun’s ability to produce light and heat energy;
• b) sources of energy (sunlight, water, wind);
• c) fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and wood; and
• d) renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.

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