Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Grade Three

(1) Scientific processes. The student conducts field and laboratory investigations following home and school safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices.

The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate safe practices during field and laboratory investigations

(B) make wise choices in the use and conservation of resources and the disposal or recycling of materials.

(2) Scientific processes. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during field and laboratory investigations.

The student is expected to:

EOW-82. Science Fair Panic, part 1 - scientific method, science fair projects
EOW-82. Science Fair Panic, part 2 - scientific method, science fair projects
EOW-82. Science Fair Panic, part 3 - scientific method, science fair projects
EOW-82. Science Fair Panic, part 4 - scientific method, science fair projects
EOW-86. The Hottest Part of a Flame - scientific observation, combustion, energy

(A) plan and implement descriptive investigations including asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting and using equipment and technology
EOW-43. Candles in a Jar and 44. Candles in a Jar, Part 2 - combustion, density, scientific thought
EOW-47. Bottle Tones and 48. Bottle Tones, Part 2 - pitch, vibration, scientific thought

(B) collect information by observing and measuring

(C) analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct and indirect evidence

(D) communicate valid conclusions

(E) construct simple graphs, tables, maps, and charts to organize, examine and evaluate information.

(3) Scientific processes. The student knows that information, critical thinking, and scientific problem solving are used in making decisions.

The student is expected to:

(A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information
EOW-82. Science Fair Panic, part 1 - scientific method, science fair projects

(B) draw inferences based on information related to promotional materials for products and services
EOW-106. Just a Suggestion

(C) represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations

(D) evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment

(E) connect Grade 3 science concepts with the history of science and contributions of scientists.

(4) Scientific processes. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.

The student is expected to:

(A) collect and analyze information using tools including calculators, microscopes, cameras, safety goggles, sound recorders, clocks, computers, thermometers, hand lenses, meter sticks, rulers, balances, magnets, and compasses
EOW-55. Light as Air - gases, density, math, volume
EOW-40. Reaction Time - nervous system, science fair projects

(B) demonstrate that repeated investigations may increase the reliability of results.
EOW-82. Science Fair Panic, part 2 - scientific method, science fair projects

(5) Science concepts. The student knows that systems exist in the world.

The student is expected to:

(A) observe and identify simple systems such as a sprouted seed and a wooden toy car

(B) observe a simple system and describe the role of various parts such as a yo-yo and string.

(6) Science concepts. The student knows that forces cause change.

The student is expected to:

(A) measure and record changes in the position and direction of the motion of an object to which a force such as a push or pull has been applied

(B) identify that the surface of the Earth can be changed by forces such as earthquakes and glaciers.
BCIS-Continuous Change - geologic time, erosion, geologic processes
BCIS-Fast and Slow Change - geologic time, plate tectonics, geologic processes

(7) Science concepts. The student knows that matter has physical properties.

The student is expected to:

(A) gather information including temperature, magnetism, hardness, and mass using appropriate tools to identify physical properties of matter
BCIS-Identifying Minerals - testing color, luster, hardness, cleavage/fracture, streak, and other properties
EOW-55. Light as Air - gases, density, math, volume
EOW-32. Half a Water Balloon - properties of liquids and gases
EOW-39. Wrong Way Balloon - inertia, density
EOW-58. Density Column - density, floating and sinking

(B) identify matter as liquids, solids, and gases.
EOW-56. Ice and String - states of matter, energy, change of state
EOW-5. Crushed Can - Atmospheric pressure, states of matter
EOW-70. Ice Cream Science - states of matter, heat
BCIS-Water Cycle - states of matter, evaporation, condensation, weather

(8) Science concepts. The student knows that living organisms need food, water, light, air, a way to dispose of waste, and an environment in which to live.

The student is expected to:

(A) observe and describe the habitats of organisms within an ecosystem

(B) observe and identify organisms with similar needs that compete with one another for resources such as oxygen, water, food, or space

(C) describe environmental changes in which some organisms would thrive, become ill, or perish

(D) describe how living organisms modify their physical environment to meet their needs such as beavers building a dam or humans building a home.

(9) Science concepts. The student knows that species have different adaptations that help them survive and reproduce in their environment.

The student is expected to:

(A) observe and identify characteristics among species that allow each to survive and reproduce
EOW-59. Nature Watching - animal behavior, processes of science

(B) analyze how adaptive characteristics help individuals within a species to survive and reproduce.
EOW-59. Nature Watching - animal behavior, processes of science

(10) Science concepts. The student knows that many likenesses between offspring and parents are inherited from the parents.

The student is expected to:

(A) identify some inherited traits of plants

(B) identify some inherited traits of animals.

(11) Science concepts. The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials and objects in the sky.

The student is expected to:

(A) identify and describe the importance of earth materials including rocks, soil, water, and gases of the atmosphere in the local area and classify them as renewable, nonrenewable, or inexhaustible resources
EOW-81. Hydrothermal Quartz - minerals, solutions, boiling point
BCIS-Rocks - types of rocks, the rock cycle

(B) identify and record properties of soils such as color and texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support the growth of plants

(C) identify the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun
EOW-50. Planets and Pennies - comparing planets, gravity

(D) describe the characteristics of the Sun
EOW-Solar Power - energy, solar, reflection, refraction