Content Notes
This unit revolves (fittingly) around the concept of cycles. The students will be introduced to some of the natural cycles we are affected by and those we affect. The class will complete hands-on activities as well as observational tasks that will ultimately lead to an awareness of the fundamental interactions of the cyclical systems that comprise our world. In a two-week period, we will address the differences between rotation and revolution and provide a concrete demonstration of how our days, years, and seasons are constructed. We will then begin a long-term visual observation of the phases of the moon, and learn to analyze tide charts. From there, we will study the water cycle, sources of water, and the importance of water conservation. This thread of instruction will result in a conceptual awareness of how intertwined the natural world is on a large scale.
Standards of learning vocabulary
SOL Sources:
SOL Standards: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/2010/k-6/stds_science3.pdf
3rd Grade Blueprint: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/blueprints/science_blueprints/2010/2010_blueprint_science_3.pdf
Curriculum Framework: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/cf_final_web_version/framewk_science3.pdf
SOL Standards: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/2010/k-6/stds_science3.pdf
3rd Grade Blueprint: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/blueprints/science_blueprints/2010/2010_blueprint_science_3.pdf
Curriculum Framework: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/cf_final_web_version/framewk_science3.pdf