Grade 3 Topics

Grade 3

Workshops

Description

CT Standards

Playing With Polymers

Children will be introduced to basic polymer chemistry as they discover a plethora of polymers that play an integral part in our everyday lives. Students will role-play molecules as they study how polymers are made. They will examine the properties of polymers and watch a chemical reaction that will help them understand how synthetic polymers can lead to the production of cloth. In groups, students will sort plastics by the different polymers they are made of and test them for density. Finally students will get up close a personal with a polymer they make and keep.

3.1

Matter of Fact

Students will examine both atoms and molecules, and will build their very own marshmallow molecules. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn and observe the difference between physical and chemical changes, play alchemists by actually turning paper-clips to gold (well, almost), and to cap it all off, students will find out just how much fun polymers can be!

3.1

Owl Discoveries

Students will learn about owls and their habitats. By looking at the Northern Spotted Owl, the Burrowing Owl, and the Elf Owl students will learn how human activity and choices impact their habitat. Students will also explore the prey of owls by dissecting an owl pellet and identifying the contents and determining the animals that the bones and fur come from.

3.2

Mineral Mania

Students are provided with an introduction to geology, including an understanding of the geological formation processes, classification systems, identification methods, and physical properties of rocks and minerals. Egg models will help the students understand the layers of the earth and they will learn how volcano eruptions create igneous rock. Panning for gems the students can take home is the culmination of this learning experience.

3.3; 3.4

Black & Blue Oceans

Environmental issues relating to water affect all our lives and students will examine these as they explore an oil spill and its impact on nature. Students will use oil and feathers to see how birds are impacted by the spill. Then students will try a variety of different materials to clean up oil and experiment with the challenges that face environmentalists after a tanker oil spill.

3.4