Below is a break down of the Science and Social Study units we study in 3rd grade. As the year progresses more information about each unit will be posted. The topics below are terrific areas to do further reading at home, especially when (or after) we work on each unit. It is a way of enriching your child's experience with each topic. Generally, students love to find materials that tie into the work they are doing at school. Reading, especially a read aloud, is an easy, fun way to delve in.
Social Studies
Pilgrims
Due to the time of year we have jumped to our study of Pilgrims. We read Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen to kick off our study of Pilgrims. We learned that pilgrims are more than just those people that came to our country in 1620. We learned that they are people traveling and moving for religious reasons. We learned who some of our ancestors are and made clothespin dolls. They are in the display cases by the library.
We have begun reading about the pilgrims in our social studies textbook Massachusetts Our Home. Students have found this book to be very interesting and full of great information. We will continue our study by reading several different books and more of the text book in reading groups to learn more about the pilgrims and what live was like in the 1620s. We will go in far greater detail than they have in the past years of education. Students have already shared that they are finding this very interesting. We do have a rich history in Massachusetts!
Local History
We will begin this work shortly; however, it will be an ongoing unit throughout the year. We will integrate working with maps when ever possible. We are coordinating our work with Mrs. Grochmal, our computer teacher, to do research on the internet to answer questions about our local towns. We encourage you to take the time to notice, stop look and learn about various landmarks within your community as you are out and about with your child. We live in an area with a rich history, but we often just keep walking by these places without noticing the monuments, the plaques, the stories behind the landmarks. Students will given opportunities throughout the year to share what they have discovered or learned about their town.
Most of our work this year will be around Massachusetts history, specifically the Colonial Period (approximately 1600-1800).
Furture units:
Science
States of Matter
We have begun our work with States of Matter. We defined what "matter" is; it can be touched, weighed, and takes up space. Students remember how it can categorized as solid, liquid or gas. We will explore the properties of each of these states.
The district is working to realign grades 3-5 to the state frameworks. Below you will find the units we are currently studying. These units may change or be added to as our realignment evolves.
Future units:
Again, these topics provide more areas for you to supplement your child's learning with reading.