Daniela Cupples

Science Framework Jigsaw

3rd Grade
Science instruction in 3rd grade exposes students to some of the most basic patterns of
nature and builds the students understanding that science helps them understand the
world. The science framework is composed of 5 basic standard sets.
Standard Set 1. Physical Sciences (Energy and Matter)
Students learn that energy can be stored in many different forms, and that machines and
living organisms convert stored energy into heat and motion. Students learn that atoms
are the smallest components of elements out of which all matter is composed. Students
also learn about the periodic table of elements and that all the atoms with their symbols
are displayed in it.
1. Energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form
to another. As a basis for understanding of this concept:
a. Students know that energy comes from the Sun to Earth in the form of light.
Students are introduced to the concept of energy, which can make things move,
stretch, grow, and cause physical and chemical changes. Students learn that
the sun provides a large amount of energy to the earth and that light and heat
are both forms of energy.
b. Students know that energy can be stored as food, fuel, and batteries etc. and be
released to create heat, motion, and light.
c. Students know that machines and living things transform stored energy to
motion and heat.
d. Students know energy can be carried from one place to another by waves, such
as water waves and sound waves, by electronic current, and by moving objects
such as balls.
e. Students know that matter has three forms: solid, liquid and gas.
f. Students know evaporation and melting are changes that occur when the
objects are heated.
g. Students know that when two or more substances are combined a new
substance may be formed with properties that are different from those of the
original materials; they distinguish the differences between mixtures and pure
substances.
h. Students know all matter is made of small particles called atoms, too small to
see without a microscope.
i. Students know people once thought that earth, wind, fire, and water were basic
elements that made up all matter. Science experiments show that there are
more than 100 different types of atoms, which are presented on the periodic
table of elements.
2. Standard Set 2 Physical Sciences (Light)
Light has a source and travels in a direction. As a basis for
understanding of this concept:

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a. Students know that sunlight can be blocked to create shadows. (Students

should be encouraged to experiment which shadows to ponder the
source/direction of light.
b. Students know light is reflected from mirrors and other surfaces.
c. Students know the color of light striking an object affects the way the object can
be seen.
d. Students know that our eyes are light sensitive and that we can see objects
because the light travels from the object and interacts with the eye.
3. Standard Set 3 Life Sciences
Adaptations in physical structures or behavior may improve an
organisms chance for survival. As a basis for understanding of this
concept:
a. Students know that plants and animals have structures (such as roots, leaves,
claws, pouches etc. ) that serve different functions in growth, survival, and
reproduction.
b. Students know examples of diverse life forms in different environments, such as
oceans, deserts, tundra, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Students know that
the organisms are different because of the environment they life in.
c. Students know living things cause changes in the environment in which they
live: some of these changes are detrimental to the organism or other
organisms, some are beneficial.
d. Students know when the environment changes, some plants and animals
survive and reproduce; others die or move to new locations.
e. Students know that some kinds of organisms that once live on Earth have
completely disappeared and that some of these resembled others that are alive
today, which is evidenced by fossil records.
4. Standard Set 4 Earth Sciences
Objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns. As a basis
for understanding this concept:
a. Students know that the patterns of the stars stay the same, although they
appear to move across the sky nightly, and different stars can be seen in
different seasons.
b. Students know the way in which the Moons appearance changes during the
four week lunar cycle.
c. Students know telescopes magnify the appearance of some distant objects in
the sky, including the Moon and the planets. The number of stars that can be
seen through telescopes is dramatically greater than the number that can be
seen by the naked eye.
d. Students know that Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that
the Moon orbits Earth.
e. Students know that the position of the sun in the sky changes during day and
from season to season.
5. Standard Set 5 Investigation and Experimentation
Scientific progress is achieved by asking meaningful questions and
conducting detailed investigations. As a basis for understanding this

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a.

b.
c.
d.
e.

concept students should develop their own questions and perform

investigations. Students will:
Repeat observations to increase accuracy and know that the outcomes of
similar scientific investigations rarely turn out exactly the same because of
variations in the things being investigated, different methods used or ambiguity
in the observation.
Distinguish evidence from opinion and know that scientists do not rely on claims
or conclusions unless they are supported by observations that can be proven.
Use numerical data to describe, objects, events, and measurements.
Predict the outcome of a simple investigation and compare the result with the
prediction.
Gather data in an investigation and analyze the data to come up with a logical
conclusion.