Third Grade Units of Inquiry
Third grade classes participate in six units of inquiry throughout the year. Click on each unit below to learn more.
Unit 1- Who we are
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.
Unit 2 - How we express ourselves
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
Unit 3 - How we organize ourselves
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.
Unit 4 - Sharing the planet
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.