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GRADE 3 CURRICULUM PAGE!

Below you will find a brief description overview of the Mars Area School District’s Grade 3 Curriculum. To explore specific content areas and view unit descriptions alongside of the standards, simply click on the specific content name located to the right.

GRADE 3 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

English Language Arts (ELA) 

Students in Grade 3 English Language Arts (ELA) will increase their awareness of fiction and non-fiction as they read a variety of genres. Students will practice and become better acquainted with strategies and skills to improve their reading comprehension and fluency. Additionally, students will strengthen their writing skills as they gain a stronger knowledge base for applying the rules of conventions for standard English. The writing focus will be as follows: persuasive paragraph, narrative paragraph, comparison paragraph and a 2 to 3 paragraph explanatory paper. 

Mathematics

Students in Grade 3 Mathematics will build upon their prior learning of various mathematical concepts. The instructional focus will be in the categories of: operations and algebraic thinking, number and operations in base ten, number and operations fractions, measurement and data, and geometry. This math curriculum will be delivered in a sequential manner supporting students as they develop their skills and practices. Students will be instructed using a wide variety of tools, materials, and methods.

Science

Students in Grade 3 Science will have the opportunity to practice the scientific process as they conduct numerous hands-on inquiry-based investigations. Students will work through this scientific process by observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing their findings in a variety of ways. The learning modules in grade 3 science include: Plant Growth & Development, Chemical Tests, and Earth Materials. Additionally, to support the concept that Engineering is Elementary (EiE) a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) unit, The Best of Bugs: Designing Hand Pollinators, will be taught in conjunction with the ASSET Science module Plant Growth & Development. This EiE unit aims to increase student engagement in engineering with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and persistence in problem solving.

Social Studies

Students in Grade 3 Social Studies will explore communities from within the Unites States and the world around them. They will examine history, geography, economics, humanities, and citizenship, while making connections from the outside world to the classroom. Additionally, students will gain a foundational knowledge of the workings of the United States government.

Art

Grade 3 Art will help to develop an enjoyment and understanding of art as students imitate various artists, in the creative process. Additionally, students will discover and learn about a variety of artistic styles and movements. Elements and principles of art and design such as space, form, balance, rhythm, and movement will be explored.

Health

Grade 3 Health students will understand the three areas of health: they include physical, mental/emotional, and social. Students will explore ways to make responsible decisions, as well as, develop good habits and choices. They will also learn and understand how to relate to others. Keeping their body and mind healthy through healthy habits will be emphasized. Students will also realize the connection between health and physical education class.

Library

Students will further their understanding of the functions and procedures of a library system. Students will practice to be more independent when selecting resources, both academic in nature and for personal enjoyment. As students widen their reading range, they will more independently identify and distinguish between literary forms and genres. Technology skills and safe digital citizenship will be practiced and developed as they are integrated throughout the year of library/media studies.

Music

Grade 3 students will continue to build upon their individual skills, group skills, music reading, and music knowledge from second grade elementary general music. In addition to developing their appreciation and enjoyment of music, classes will continue to build upon previously studied and new concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony form, tone color, timbre, and expression. Students will continue to sing, listen, play, move, create, and improvise to continue building upon their musical foundation and prepare for further vocal or instrumental instruction.

Physical Education

Grade 3 students will engage in a variety of lifetime and pre-sport activities. They will learn skills that can be used now and during their lifetime including cooperation and teamwork. While learning, moving, and having fun, third graders will understand the importance of being physically fit. Students are expected to report to class dressed in appropriate clothing to allow for free movement. Students must wear properly tied athletic shoes which support their feet. Students are graded on participation, fitness scores, and selected skill tests. Students will be participating in many activities including: cooperative games, rhythm and dance, fitness, pre-sport skills, and heart healthy activities.

STEAM (K-6)

Mars Area School District's Elementary (K-6) STEAM Program is an authentic and engaging learning environment that challenges students to problem-solve through innovation, imagination, and creation. Students learn through a progression of skills aligned to the K-6 curriculum through the collaborative use of multi-media tools, computational thinking, and tinkering. STEAM instruction focuses on an integrated blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Students work collaboratively on projects that extend learning beyond curriculum content by tinkering/designing with tools and various materials as well as through coding and programming. STEAM classrooms at each elementary building are designed to promote teamwork and innovation in a high-tech maker space. Accessibility to iPads, robotics, building materials and resources enable students to hit their peak of curiosity and creativity.