In science the Third Grade has been learning all about animals. Some things we are beginning to study are animal habitats, animal life cycles, the functions of different body parts, and ways animals sense. We extended these studies by visiting The Bronx Zoo! Here we are enjoying our day at the zoo.
As an introduction to polygons 3-205E built various two dimensional shapes using toothpicks and marshmallows. In partnerships we put together a shape. We then counted how many sides, points, and angles each shape had that we created.
The third graders were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the company Johnson and Johnson on a special STEM project. After discussing science, technology, engineering, and math, as well the STEM process, students broke into groups. Together, they worked out the STEM process and built cars. Once the team had built a car, they tried it out together by running it down a ramp and measuring how far the car went.
Class 205-E is beginning to study Egypt! We broke into groups and each group studied a different part of Egypt. One group studied the city of Cairo, one studied the city of Alexandria, one studied the city of Giza, and one studied the Egyptian Flag and the entire map. Each group studied their topic by reading books, articles, and looking at pictures of their city/country/flag. Using a note taking strategy of choice, they took notes on their topic. Together, the group took their notes and turned it into an advertisement of all the great things about their aspect of Egypt. Finally, each group worked together to make a collage of their city/country/flag.
In 3-205E we are continuing to study motion, mechanical energy, and simple machines. We learned about kinetic energy and potential energy in various ways. To culminate these studies, in teams, we worked to built tiny catapults. We had to show that our catapult had both kinetic and potential energy. We made a plan before building of how we could show both forms of energy, as well as how to make sure we launched accurately and for distance. Then it came time to build. We chose from various materials and worked together to build an accurate catapult. We tried it out, modeling the two forms of energy, and launched candy chicks to try out our teams accuracy and distance.
