Science and Technology, Grade 3

Describing matter: mass and weight

I can distinguish between the mass (quantity of matter) of an object and its weight (gravitational force acting on the mass).

Why some things sink and others float

I can classify solids according to their density (identical volumes and different masses or identical masses and different volumes).

Physical changes keep the same matter

I can demonstrate that physical changes (e.g. deforming, breaking, grinding, phase changes) do not change the properties of matter.

Forms and sources of energy

I can describe different forms of energy (mechanical, electrical, light, chemical, heat, sound, nuclear).

Sound and moving heat

I can identify the characteristics of a sound wave (e.g. volume, timbre, echo).

Using, saving, and changing energy

I can describe situations in which human beings consume energy (e.g. heating, transportation, food consumption, recreation).

Forces and how things move

I can identify examples of a force (e.g. pulling, pushing, throwing, squeezing, stretching).

Simple machines that help us

I can recognize simple machines (lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley, winch, wheel) used in an object (e.g. lever in seesaw, inclined plane for an access ramp).

Moving parts inside machines

I can identify the mechanical parts (e.g. gears, cams, springs, simple machines, connecting rods).

How technology changes daily life

I can recognize the influence and impact of transportation technology on people’s way of life and surroundings.

Soil, and the quality of water, soil, and air

I can compare the properties of different types of soil (e.g. composition, capacity to retain water, capacity to retain heat).

Rocks, fossils, and crystals

I can distinguish between a fossil (or a trace of a living thing) and a rock.

The water cycle

I can explain the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff and infiltration).

The Sun and renewable energy

I can explain that the sun is the main source of energy on Earth.

Day and night, the Moon, and eclipses

I can associate the cycle of day and night with the rotation of the Earth.

Stars, clouds, weather, and sky technology

I can recognize the stars and the constellations on a map of the stars.

Life needs and how living things reproduce

I can explain the basic needs of the metabolism of living things (e.g. nutrition, respiration).

Kingdoms and classifying living things

I can describe the characteristics of different kingdoms (microorganisms, fungi, plants, animals).

The parts of a plant and their jobs

I can describe the anatomy of plants (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds).

Animal body systems and the senses

I can associate the parts and systems of the anatomy of animals with their general functions.

How plants and animals grow

I can describe the growth stages of a flowering plant.

What animals eat, food chains, and food technology

I can explain the nutritional needs common to all animals (water, sugars, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals).

How and why animals move

I can describe the different ways animals move (walking, creeping, flying, jumping).

Habitats and how living things interact

I can identify habitats and the animal and plant populations found in them.

People and the environment

I can describe the impact of human activity on the environment (e.g. use of resources, pollution, waste management, land use, urbanization, agriculture).