What does a student learn in StateVirginia,GradeGrade 3,SubjectScience?

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes

ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed

define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system

planning and carrying out investigations

with guidance, plan and conduct investigations

use appropriate methods and/or tools for collecting data

estimate length, mass, volume, and temperature

measure length, mass, volume, and temperature in metric and U.S. Customary units using proper tools

measure elapsed time

use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

organize and represent data in pictographs or bar graphs

read, interpret, and analyze data represented in pictographs and bar graphs

analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine if it works as intended

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

use evidence (measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation

generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem

describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions

developing and using models

use models to demonstrate simple phenomena and natural processes

develop a model (e.g., diagram or simple physical prototype) to illustrate a proposed object, tool, or process

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read and comprehend reading-level appropriate texts and/or other reliable media

communicate scientific information, design ideas, and/or solutions with others

The student will investigate and understand that the direction and size of force affects the motion of an object. Key ideas include

multiple forces may act on an object;

the net force on an object determines how an object moves;

simple machines increase or change the direction of a force; and

simple and compound machines have many applications.

The student will investigate and understand how materials interact with water. Key ideas include

solids and liquids mix with water in different ways; and

many solids dissolve more easily in hot water than in cold water.

The student will investigate and understand that adaptations allow organisms to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment. Key ideas include

populations may adapt over time;

adaptations may be behavioral or physical; and

fossils provide evidence about the types of organisms that lived long ago as well as the nature of their environments.

The student will investigate and understand that aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms. Key ideas include

ecosystems are made of living and nonliving components of the environment; and

relationships exist among organisms in an ecosystem.

The student will investigate and understand that soil is important in ecosystems. Key ideas include

soil, with its different components, is important to organisms; and

soil provides support and nutrients necessary for plant growth.

The student will investigate and understand that there is a water cycle and water is important to life on Earth. Key ideas include

there are many reservoirs of water on Earth;

the energy from the sun drives the water cycle; and

the water cycle involves specific processes.

The student will investigate and understand that natural events and humans influence ecosystems. Key ideas include

human activity affects the quality of air, water, and habitats;

water is limited and needs to be conserved;

fire, flood, disease, and erosion affect ecosystems; and

soil is a natural resource and should be conserved.