Science



In Third Grade
Science:
 
 

(1) [T]he study of science includes planning and implementing simple classroom and field investigations to develop the skills of collecting information using tools such as a microscope, making inferences, communicating conclusions, and making informed decisions. Students also use computers and information technology tools to support scientific investigations.  
(2)  As students learn science skills, they identify the importance of components of the natural world including rocks, soils, water, and atmospheric gases. They observe the direction and position of objects as they are pushed and pulled, and movement of the Earth's surface as examples of change caused by a force. Students investigate magnetism and gravity. In addition, students explore organisms' needs, habitats, and competition with other organisms within their ecosystem.  
(3)  Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Students should know how science has built a vast body of changing and increasing knowledge described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models, and also should know that science may not answer all questions.
(4) A system is a collection of cycles, structures, and processes that interact. Students should understand a whole in terms of its components and how these components relate to each other and to the whole. All systems have basic properties that can be described in terms of space, time, energy, and matter. Change and constancy occur in systems and can be observed and measured as patterns. These patterns help to predict what will happen next and can change over time.
(5)  Investigations are used to learn about the natural world. Students should understand that certain types of questions can be answered by investigations, and that methods, models, and conclusions built from these investigations change as new observations are made. Models of objects and events are tools for understanding the natural world and can show how systems work. They have limitations and based on new discoveries are constantly being modified to more closely reflect the natural world.
 
 

 Earth Science

The Solar System Links

Please note: the Pluto controversy is still not over, and the IAU will meet again in 2009. Some astronomers have pledged to try to name Pluto back into the planet fold, as well as other objects from the Kuiper and asteroid belts!
Life Science

Animals

National Geographic Kids Creature Features

National Geographic Animals A to Z

Ranger Rick/ Yahooligans! Animal Fact Files Click on an animal class here!

Animal Classification The Animal Kingdom   and Classification of Animals

BBC Science & Nature click on a letter at the bottom to search for an animal

All About Animals organization

National Wildlife Federation Learn about endangered wildlife here

Texas Parks and Wildlife for Kids:  Wild Things!

Endangered Species of Texas Find Endangered Species Here

Bat Conservation International  http://www.batcon.org/

Lucas Miller's animal website, FunkySkunkies.com  and Lucas Miller song samples

Want to classify an animal? Check the Integrated Taxonomic Information System:              http://www.itis.gov/

Plants

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Search their Image Gallery for Texas Plants

National Park Service Hill Country Coloring Book Get coloring pages for Texas Hill Country Wildflowers

Texas Parks and Wildlife for Kids:  Wild Things

 Invasive Plant and Animal Species from the USDA
The plants in the pictures below were taken in Mrs. Mensing's backyard, and are NATIVE or ADAPTED plants, which grow well and with minimal water in the local ecosystem.
 







Red TEXAS BETONY attracts bees and hummingbirds
 
 
 
 



BLUEBONNETS are the official state flower of Texas









 
 
 
 
 
 
The CACTUS is a succulent with spines to protect its stored water















 
 
 
 
 
There are many varieties of DAISIES that are native to Texas
 
 
















INDIAN PAINTBRUSH are named for their brush-like appearance
 
















LAMB'S EAR has soft, silvery-green leaves
 















Monarch butterflies feed on the MILKWEED, which makes them poisonous to predators
 



















SPIDERWORT grow best in the shade
 







MEXICAN HAT and one larger THISTLE are seen in the last picture with other wildflowers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Biomes & Habitats

Missouri Botanical Garden's Biomes and Ecosystems Website

EnchantedLearning.com's Biomes

National Geographic Habitats

National Geographic Virtual World: Great Barrier Reef Virtual Dive

National Geographic Virtual World: Rainforest at Night

NASA Mission: Biomes

 

General Information: Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife: Texas Regions Learn about the regions of Texas here!

Wild Basin Preserve http://www.wildbasin.org/
Physical Science
 
Simple Machines  
 
Health
Do you want to learn about the HUMAN HEART?  This page has links and pictures taken during an operation!  It's not just about the heart...it's really all about Mrs. Mensing's dad. 

 
Last Modified: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009
 
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