Third Grade News
February 5, 2017
It has been awhile since I have updated our blog. Third grade has been very busy. Now that the play is over we are back to our normal schedule!
Math
We just finished Unit 4 and started Unit 5 last week. Unit 5 is on fractions and multiplication! Any help you can give your child at home with multiplication facts would be great. We are practicing every day in class and I have seen improvement. Our math is definitely getting harder and I am so proud of their hard work!
Language Arts
Third grade has been working on informational writing. They each chose a nonfiction book to read. They are making posters to share with the class. Students started out by writing what they think they know about their topic, what they want to learn, and they will end with facts that they learned after reading their book.
Their next project will be researching a type of hazardous weather. They will use books and their chrome books to look up information. They will then write a short report.
We will finish reading, The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe on Tuesday. It has been fun reading this together and completing activities so that third graders can stretch their thinking and work on comprehension.
They also started new books in class this week. I try to meet with them once a day and we read in groups. It is fun to have conversations about their reading. I love to hear their thoughts. If their books do come home please make sure your child reads and shares with you. It is important all books come back the next day so we can keep our reading groups going smoothly. Thank you for your help!
Science
In science we have been working on the impact of natural hazards. Last week they designed houses with 5 index cards and tape. Their house had to stand up in a blizzard. After the houses were built we put books on them to see which house held the most books. It was a blast!
I think we have some future engineers!
On Friday, third graders were presented with 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.
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.
Share and Critique
Students present their prototype as a possible solution for protection from rising water, including how it meets the criteria and constraints. Allow students to ask and answer questions about each other’s prototypes.
Students were put into groups and they started designing their solutions to this problem. It was so fun to watch them work together and work through their thoughts and others thoughts.
These are their materials:
I will update you on our final results!
I hope you all have a great week!
Holly
