Jessica Wright's Third Grade News

by Jessica Wright

January 02, 2012

Science

Unit 06: Investigating the Solar System (11-12)

Prior to this unit, students have examined the sun as a source of light and heat energy. In this unit, they will gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the Sun, its magnitude, distance from Earth, and resulting appearance. Likewise, students will continue to investigate the profound importance of the Sun to life on Earth. In Grade 3, emphasis is placed on the use of models to represent the natural world, specifically the relative motion and position of the Sun, Earth, Moon, and planets. The activities in this unit lay the foundation for future concepts of space science in upper elementary and middle school. After this unit, in Grade 5, students will identify and compare the physical characteristics of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Social Studies

Unit 08: Leading the Way: People Influence Communities (11-12)

During this unit students learn about some of the individuals whose inventions and innovations changed the community and world, including Jonas Salk, who discovered a polio vaccine, and Maria Mitchell, who discovered a comet in 1847 and who was the first American woman to work professionally as an astronomer. Students also learn about other leaders in technology and innovation, including Cyrus McCormick, Bill Gates, and Louis Pasteur. Phillis Wheatley was a poet in the time of the American Revolution and the first African American woman to be published in America. Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to desegregate an elementary school. James Lovell, during his long career at NASA, achieved many firsts. Ellen Ochoa was the world's first Hispanic female astronaut. Helen Keller was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students examine the courage and dedication it takes to lead the way in new fields and see the impact such individuals have had on communities.