3rd Grade
In Third Grade:
We build on the academic skills the students learn in second grade. We have broken down the curriculum by subject area to give you a better idea of the content that will be taught each trimester. At the end of each subject we will state the expected outcome for the year.
Math: The first trimester is spent learning a variety of strategies to help students learn and memorize their multiplication and division facts to 10. We begin testing the students on the 0s, 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s and continue mastering the facts for 3s, 4s, and 6s, in the second trimester. The students finish the year mastering the facts for the 7s, 8s, and 9s. In the second trimester we focus on area, perimeter, rounding and estimation of 2 and 3-digit numbers as well as adding and subtracting 3-digit numbers. In the third trimester we introduce fractions and equivalent fractions, telling time on analog clocks, measurement: volume and mass, identify and classify 2 dimensional shapes, and end the year on collecting, representing, and interpreting data.
The expected outcomes are to have mastered the multiplication and division facts to 10, add and subtract 3 digit numbers with regrouping, be able to determine the area, perimeter, and classify shapes, read an analog clock, understand basic fractions, read graphs and complete word problems in each of these areas. Big Ideas Math http://www.bigideasmath.com
History Social Studies (HSS): HSS is taught through a newsletter format to expose the students to nonfiction text and formatting. In the first trimester we focus on citizenship, immigration, cultural traditions, and CA & US landmarks and symbols. In the second trimester we focus on important people in California’s and the United States’ history, local and US government- the roles people have and the different agencies, and the many kinds of resources we have in our state. During the third trimester we cover California’s regions and it’s first peoples focusing on the Ohlone Indians.
The expected outcome is that they are familiar with our community, it’s surroundings, and a general history of how this area was developed.
Studies Weekly https://app.studiesweekly.com
Science: There are three investigations for science in 3rd grade. We try our best to have students do as many hands-on activities as possible. Water and Climate is taught in the first trimester. During this time, they inquire about the behavior of water, how to measure temperature, what causes weather and the seasons, and can describe climate. The Motion and Matter investigation is taught in the second trimester. During that time they learn about forces, patterns of motion, mixtures and they also learn about the engineering process! Kids typically do a small project so they can experience all of the stages of the engineering process firsthand. The Structures of Life investigation is taught in the third trimester. During this unit they focus on seeds, life cycles, the human body and crayfish. This is a great unit because we bring live crayfish to the classroom to study their behavioral and structural adaptations. To supplement our science curriculum, we also use Mystery Science lessons that are hands-on and very engaging! The expected outcome is that third graders will be able to form claims, be able to support those claims with evidence, and ask questions.
Writing: Third-graders will be writing in three genres: narrative, informational, and opinion. In narrative writing, students learn how to bring their stories to life using sensory details and description, figurative language, dialogue, inner thoughts and feelings, and action. Informational writing is done throughout the year, often incorporated with science or social studies. We typically have at least one research project every year. In the past, students have done biography and/or endangered animal presentations. By the third trimester, students will be writing opinion paragraphs with strong opinion statements and supporting reasons.
In all three genres, the expected outcome is that third graders will be able to express themselves clearly in three organized and detailed paragraphs.