TCH 257 - Science Methods

Below explore lesson plans, phenomena, and library materials that are related to the NGSS topics and standards for third grade. Select one of the topics below to be taken to materials on that topic. 

1. Forces and Interactions
2. Ecosystem Change
3. Life Cycles and Traits
4. Weather and Climate
5. 3-5 Engineering Design

Performance Expectations:

3-PS2-1.    Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. 

3-PS2-2.    Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. 

3-PS2-3.    Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

3-PS2-4.    Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.

Detailed Forces and Interactions Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Magnetic Cannon
• Raw or Boiled Egg Experiment

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

3-LS2-1.    Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.

3-LS4-1.    Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago. 

3-LS4-3.    Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

3-LS4-4.    Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.

Detailed Ecosystem Change Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Ant Cooperation
• Megafauna Extinction: Humans or Climate?

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

3-LS1-1.    Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death. 

3-LS3-1.    Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms. 

3-LS3-2.    Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment. 

3-LS4-2.    Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

Detailed Life Cycles and Traits Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• A Peacock's Tail
• Galapagos Finch Evolution

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

3-ESS2-1.    Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. 

3-ESS2-2.    Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.

3-ESS3-1.    Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

Detailed Weather and Climate Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• World Climographs
• Why Does the Wind Blow?

Example Books

Performance Expectations:

3-5-ETS1-1.    Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

3-5-ETS1-2.    Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-3.    Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Detailed Engineering Design Standard Information

Example Lesson Plans

Example Phenomena

• Airpod Case Design
• Programmable Droplets from MIT

Example Books