Term 1-How the World Works

August 24, 2021

Hello Parents,

Grade 3 inquired into the central idea “How the World Works.” The students worked very hard throughout the term on this unit. This science-based inquiry gave students hands-on experience with different materials to explore the states of matter, and take a deeper look at magnetism, energy and electricity. During the inquiry, students learned scientific behaviors such as observing, recording and formulating hypothesis.

Unit of Inquiry

In this unit, we investigated the states of matter (solid, liquid and gas) and their properties. We conducted a variety of experiments and designed solutions to real-world problems using our knowledge of the properties of matter. We had a great time using our research skills to formulate questions and gather information about each of the lines of inquiry. We then used our thinking skills to analyze the data and apply it to new situations. We enjoyed presenting our findings to our peers. Here are some of the fun science experiments and stem challenges we conducted to show the changing states of matter:

We continued our learning with powerpoint quizzes and various investigations and experiments to learn about energy, electricity and magnetism. As a class, we engaged in open discussion about these topics. We wrote our ideas on the board and made posters to reinforce our understanding of the concepts. We learned some key ideas about these topics and discovered energy conservation tips. It was such an awesome learning moment when we realized we could create electricity.

We had a great time doing several hands-on activities on these topics. One of the many activities we enjoyed was being an energy detective. We searched for clues of energy around us. We used what we could find to create our own definition of energy. We also related our energy clues to the engineering products we saw every day. We had a great time being energy detectives as we scouted our school and tried to figure out the meaning of energy , where it came from and how it can be used. After our exploration, we all came to the conclusion that energy was something we used every day. We discovered many types and sources of energy around us. Here are some the highlights from our discoveries:

Students showing mechanical energy

Students showing light energy.

Prior to creating our own inventions, we researched about the properties of energy and how to use the energy sources wisely. To conclude the unit, we investigated, planned, designed and created our own structure using an energy source of our choice.

Students inquiring into heat energy

Students inquiring into mechanical energy

Students inquiring into sound energy

In the last part of the unit, we observed and discussed the properties of magnets with respect to different materials in our classroom. As we proceeded through this investigation—observing, gathering and interpreting evidence, and sharing conclusions—we were provided with opportunities to use language in discussion with our teacher, our partners, our table groups, and in whole-class science talks.

English

We continued to explore various types of writing with a focus on narrative writing. We also continued to expand our knowledge of grammar, spelling and mechanics, as well as how to evaluate writing and conduct research. We engaged in writing our own, as well as in assigned projects. We honed our paragraph writing skills and wrote multi-paragraph compositions. We used a lot of descriptive language and literary devices, such as dialogue, point of view and figurative language.

Mathematics

Throughout the term, we used addition and multiplication to solve problems about the perimeter and area of shapes. We also started to develop a deeper understanding of fractions, beginning with unit fractions and using visual fraction models to represent a part of a whole. We had a great time finding equivalent fractions, ordering fractions and comparing fractions, as well as adding and subtracting fractions with common denominators. In the later part of the term, we looked at measurement and data. We solved measurement problems using mass and volume. We collected data and drew different graphs to represent the data.

Library

One of the most favorite parts of our weekly class visits to the library was the read-aloud story sessions. In the library, we read in comfortable chairs, shared and collaborated with our peers. Through these collaborative efforts, we developed and enhanced our critical reading and research skills in preparation for the units of inquiry. These experiences gave us the opportunity to incorporate literature into the units and provided a deeper learning experience for us.

Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE

We engaged in a range of team and individual sporting activities, such as athletics and physical wellness. We continued to progress through our physical literacy unit by focusing on a number of movements, such as jumping and balancing. We also connected PSPE to our unit of inquiry and came up with a variety of games and challenges to facilitate our learning.