3rd Grade Science Priority Benchmarks

Provide evidence to support claims other than saying “Everyone knows that,” or “I just know,” and question such reasons when given by others.

Generate questions that can be answered when scientific knowledge is combined with knowledge gained from one's own observations or investigations.  For example:  Investigate the sounds produced by striking various objects. 

Maintain a record of observations, procedures and explanations, being careful to distinguish between actual observations and ideas about what was observed.  For example: Make a chart comparing observations about the structures of plants and animals.

Use tools, including rulers, thermometers, magnifiers and simple balances, to improve observations and keep a record of the observations made.

Explain the relationship between the pitch of a sound, the rate of vibration of the source and factors that affect pitch. For example: Changing the length of a string that is plucked changes the pitch.

Describe how light travels in a straight line until it is absorbed, redirected, reflected or allowed to pass through an object.  For example: Use a flashlight, mirrors and water to demonstrate reflection and bending of light.

Observe and describe the daily and seasonal changes in the position of the sun and compare observations.

Recognize the pattern of apparent changes in the moon's shape and position.

Recognize that the Earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun, and that the moon orbits the Earth.

Compare how the different structures of plants and animals serve various functions of growth, survival and reproduction. For example: Skeletons in animals and stems in plants provide strength and stability.

Give examples of likenesses between adults and offspring in plants and animals that can be inherited or acquired.  For example: Collect samples or pictures that show similarities between adults and their young offspring.

Give examples of differences among individuals that can sometimes give an individual an advantage in survival and reproduction

Describe and classify minerals based on their physical properties.  For example: Streak, luster,hardness, reaction to vinegar.