Transdisciplinary Theme

Who we are: an inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Central Idea

My choices reflect my identity.

Lines of Inquiry

• The purpose of government.
• The responsibilities of citizens within a community.
• The perspective of characters.

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Reflective
• Open-minded
• Caring

Parent Support

Work alongside your student to complete the monthly homework menu to connect with our current unit.

Single Subject Connections

Third grade students will be exploring the idea of identity in a self-portrait through an array of artists work. They will brainstorm ideas connected to their own identity and incorporate symbols and details into their self-portrait.  Students will communicate with peers and reflect on the art making process.

Transdisciplinary Theme

How we express ourselves: an inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity, our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Central Idea

Our choices help us to communicate

Lines of Inquiry

• Geographic features on maps
• Characteristics of expression

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Reflective
• Communicator
• Risk-Taker

Parent Support

Work alongside your student to complete the monthly homework menu to connect with our current unit.

Join us Friday, October 25th from 2-3pm for our Poetry Cafe! Come hear and enjoy original poems created by our third graders.

Single Subject Connections

Transdisciplinary Theme 

How we organize ourselves: an inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Central Idea

Roles impact systems

Lines of Inquiry

• How purpose and perspective influences structure and organization.
• Interdependence within different systems
• The impact of water

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Inquirer
• Principled
• Knowledgeable

Parent Support

Single Subject Connections

Art: Third Graders will explore the artwork and organic forms of Henri Matisse.  They will experiment with two dimensional paper cutting techniques that connect to Matisse-like forms and the theme of Winter.  Third graders will inquire about various ways to represent characteristics of winter using paper cutting techniques. Students will be principled in their collaboration with tablemates to create large paper collage banners to be displayed during their winter festival.

PE: 3rd grade students will be exploring the form of gymnastics, yoga and 8 count dances.  Students will learn about the purpose of gymnastics and dance and how it has influenced our culture today.  Students will learn the techniques of gymnastics, yoga and dance through technology, pictures and teacher demonstration.  For gymnastics/yoga, students will be communicating and working with peers to complete various techniques/poses for assessment.  For dance, they will create a dance routine to perform in front of their peers for assessment. 

Music: Third grade musicians will participate in a variety of ensembles.  They will experience how different musical roles are connected within an ensemble system and the importance of being a principled participant in an ensemble.  They will investigate similarities and differences among the parts of a musical form. Students will use this knowledge to create their own ensemble compositions to share at their winter festival.  

Transdisciplinary Theme 

Sharing the planet:  an inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Central Idea

Relationships exist within environments.

Lines of Inquiry

• Human impact on an ecosystem.
• Organization of systems.
• Organisms responses to the environment.
• Asking and answering meaningful questions.

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Inquirer
• Thinker
• Balance

Parent Support

Thank you to everyone who donated for our Winter Festival!

Single Subject Connections

During music, the 3rd grade students will explore how music is organized in both pitch and rhythm.  They will use this understanding to compose a four measure song in a given meter using the pentatonic scale.

In STEAM, the students will explore the relationships within a terrestrial ecosystem as they build a biodome.  The students identify relationships within their terrestrial ecosystem as they create a visual to represent a food chain.