Grade Three
The third-grade standards place increasing emphasis on conducting investigations. Students are expected
to be able to develop questions, formulate simple hypotheses, make predictions, gather data, and use the
metric system with greater precision. Using information to make inferences and draw conclusions
becomes more important. In the area of physical science, the standards focus on simple and compound
machines, energy, and a basic understanding of matter. Behavioral and physical adaptations are examined
in relation to the life needs of animals. The notion of living systems is further explored in aquatic and
terrestrial food chains and diversity in environments. Patterns in the natural world are demonstrated in
terms of the phases of the moon, tides, seasonal changes, the water cycle, and animal life cycles.
Geological concepts are introduced through the investigation of the components of soil.
Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
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 Celsius;
i) time is measured to the nearest minute;
j) inferences are made and conclusions are drawn; and
k) natural events are sequenced chronologically.
Force, Motion, and Energy
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
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.
