Below is a break down of the Science and Social Study units we study in 3rd grade. As the year progresses more information about each unit will be posted. The topics below are terrific areas to do further reading at home, especially when (or after) we work on each unit. It is a way of enriching your child's experience with each topic. Generally, students love to find materials that tie into the work they are doing at school. Reading, especially a read aloud, is an easy, fun way to delve in.

Social Studies

Local History

We will begin this work shortly; however, it will be an ongoing unit throughout the year.  We will integrate working with maps when ever possible.  We are coordinating our work with Mrs. Grochmal, our computer teacher, to do research on the internet to answer questions about our local towns.  We encourage you to take the time to notice, stop look and learn about various landmarks within your community as you are out and about with your child.  We live in an area with a rich history, but we often just keep walking by these places without noticing the monuments, the plaques, the stories behind the landmarks.  Students will given opportunities throughout the year to share what they have discovered or learned about their town.

Most of our work this year will be around Massachusetts history, specifically the Colonial Period (approximately 1600-1800).

Furture units:

• Local history
• Native Americans in Massachusetts; mostly Wampanoags
• arrival of the Piligrims & building of a community
• Puritans
• events leading up to the Revolutionary War

Science

States of Matter

We have begun our work with States of Matter.  We defined what "matter" is; it can be touched, weighed, and takes up space.  Students remember how it can categorized as solid, liquid or gas.  We will explore the properties of each of these states.

The district is working to realign grades 3-5 to the state frameworks. Below you will find the units we are currently studying. These units may change or be added to as our realignment evolves.

Future units:

• solar system
• earth
• rocks and minerals

Again, these topics provide more areas for you to supplement your child's learning with reading.