Third Grade News
Marking Period Two Updates
This year is flying by....
Math
Science
Students begin their study of weather and climate phenomena through an exploration of cloud types and the water cycle. Continuing the study of weather phenomenon, students will determine what causes the water in clouds to fall as rain and other forms of precipitation. Students develop a deeper understanding of weather phenomena by constructing their own anemometer. They use the device to measure wind speed, and analyze wind speed data to identify patterns. Students extend their understanding of weather to explore climate zones and describe differences among areas; they also combine information to describe climates in different regions of the country. Students explore climate zones of the world by interpreting graphs, and identifying climate zones described in post cards. Students extend their understanding or weather to explore four examples of severe weather (blizzard,thunderstorm, tornado, and hurricane). As a culminating activity, students apply their understanding of severe weather events to design a house with a roof that will keep the interior dry during an extreme weather event. Finally, students construct their design solution.
Social Studies News
In Marking Period 2, students expand their understanding of geography by comparing places and regions around the world. In weeks 2-4, students learn about the role of basic infrastructure in developing and expanding cities through the exploration of natural/physical and human-made features, as well as, population distribution in Montgomery County, Maryland, the United States, North America, and the world. The critical thinking skill of evaluation is developed as students select and justify their choices of the Seven Wonders of Montgomery County, Maryland, the United States, North America, and the world. In weeks 5-7 students’ study focuses on comparing geographic characteristics of places and regions on the continent of Africa. Students have the opportunity to participate in a research project that explores how people modify and adapt to the environment. In week 8, students gather information and describe how geographic characteristics have changed in cities in Africa and how these changes have affected daily life. In week 9, students conclude the marking period by determining why people make decisions about protecting the environment. Throughout the marking period, students are encouraged to use the academic success skill of metacognition to monitor, adjust, and explain their thinking.
Instruction in week 1 focuses on the Health Education topics of safety and injury. Students evaluate the components of home emergency kits, practice accessing emergency services, and demonstrate personal safety strategies. Basic first aid procedures are practiced to provide a foundation for student response to injury. Strategies to avoid harassment including bullying and teasing are evaluated.