Third Grade News

We are done with testing! On Tuesday, we had an ice cream sundae party to celebrate.  I am so proud of them and their hard work!

During testing we changed our schedule a bit to make things a little easier for them. Instead of regular math we did math projects! The kids had a blast.

On of our groups made an "array city". They did a great job and it was a fun way to practice multiplication facts!

We had another group designing a new school. They are wonderful architects. They had to design, measure, and figure out the cost of each item they wanted in their school. I was impressed with their designs. It was fun to watch them look up prices and then change their minds when it was too expensive. 

In reading we have been working of folktales. This week we will finish by reading a folktale to some of our younger students.

Science has been studying natural hazards and weather. The students were give this problem:

The Problem

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Some areas in Mississippi and Louisiana had up to 13 feet of water, causing destruction in homes and other buildings. Flooding from hurricanes and other storms can cause property damage and loss of life. We do not have a way to keep these storms from happening, so we must find ways to protect ourselves.

The Army Corps of Engineers wants to design a structure that would protect New Orleans, Louisiana from future storms that may cause flooding. They are seeking contractors to design and test prototypes to see which will most effectively protect the city from rising water.
*Teacher note: Display picture of New Orleans to students when reading the problem.

The Challenge

Design and construct a way to protect New Orleans from rising water.

Criteria and Constraints

• The prototype must be built in a paint tray.
• When the paint tray is leveled, 400-500 mL of water must be contained for one minute in its original location (cannot pass the barrier prototype).

Design

Prompt students to list the steps of their plan and design for the challenge. Make sure students identify any scientific tools or other materials/technology they will need.

Sample design: Student designs a barrier using craft sticks and modeling clay.

Build, Test, and Refine

Monitor student groups to ensure that they are remaining within their design parameters. Once students have created their design, they should test their design and refine it as needed.

This shows their first work on this problem:

We discovered some of the materials we used were not sturdy enough for our plans. This week third graders will resign their plan. We will keep you all updated!

Third Grade Needs:

larger scissors
cap erasers(I think they eat them :) )

Mrs. Chandler and I were happy to find these great kids at the "Hike for the Homeless"...so proud of them!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!