Third Grade

In this STEM entry, students investigated how different pH levels and nutrients affect germination by monitoring the growth of newly planted seeds while consistently watering each group with three distinct liquids.

In this STEM entry, students recorded their daily observations after a full week of consistently treating their plants with vinegar, water, and soda. They documented the changes they noticed each day and used those observations to make predictions about the long‑term survival and growth of each plant.

In this STEM entry, students are comparing mimicry and camouflage using a Venn diagram. The student explains how animals use mimicry to copy harmful or dangerous species and how camouflage helps animals blend into their environment. They also list examples of animals that use each survival strategy, showing their understanding of how adaptations help living things stay safe.

In this STEM entry, students are explaining possible reasons why woolly mammoths went extinct. The student writes about climate change, loss of habitat, and human hunting as contributing factors, showing their ability to use evidence and reasoning to form a scientific explanation.

In this STEM entry, students are exploring organism and how an evironment needs the needs of various organims. They created labeled drawings showing living and non-living elements of an butterfly's environment.Their sketches illustrate their understanding of how an organism's environment meets their basic needs.

In this STEM entry, students are observing and recording what lives in the soil. The student drew a cross‑section of the ground showing plants above the soil and insects, roots, and underground features below the surface. They listed things they might find in soil—such as ants, animals, rocks, and twigs—to show their understanding of the hidden ecosystem beneath our feet.

In this STEM entry, students are using fossil evidence to infer what the ancient Florissant area may have looked like. The student drew a detailed scene showing plants, water, fish, birds, and other organisms, using a labeled key to identify each feature. Their illustration shows an understanding of how fossils help scientists reconstruct past ecosystems.

In this STEM entry, students are learning about composting and how organic materials like fruits and vegetables break down to provide nutrients for plants. The student explains how compost enriches soil and supports plant growth, and includes an illustration showing how nutrients move through the soil to the plant’s roots.

Students participated in a hands-on STEM challenge where they were given a set of materials to design and build a parachute. Using the problem-solving process, they worked collaboratively to plan, create, test, and improve their designs. Throughout the project, students demonstrated teamwork, critical thinking, and perseverance as they made adjustments based on their test results. It was exciting to see them apply creativity and engineering skills while learning that mistakes are an important part of the learning process! 

These students are actively engaged in a hands-on science investigation as they sort and identify different types of rocks. Using observation skills, they examine each rock’s color, texture, size, and patterns to determine its characteristics. They are thoughtfully discussing their findings and recording observations in their notebooks, practicing scientific thinking and classification skills. This interactive activity encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration while helping students deepen their understanding of earth science concepts. 

These students proudly showcase their learning as they answer the question, “What do pumpkins need to grow?” Through collaborative discussion and creative expression, they identified the key elements pumpkins need: water, soil, sunlight, seeds, nutrients, and time. Their detailed illustrations and labeled poster demonstrate a strong understanding of the pumpkin life cycle and the essential components for plant growth. By combining science knowledge with teamwork and creativity, these students engaged in meaningful learning and confidently shared their discoveries. 

These students are engaged in a hands-on STEM challenge as they design and build a habitat to keep their “penguin” safe. Using marshmallows and spaghetti as building materials, they worked collaboratively to create a stable structure that could protect their penguin from environmental conditions. Throughout the activity, students practiced problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering skills while testing and improving their designs. This creative challenge encouraged critical thinking and perseverance as they applied their knowledge of habitats and animal needs in a meaningful, real-world way. 

Students engaged in an exciting hands-on exploration to discover how the shape and structure of a bird’s beak affects what it can eat. Using a variety of tools to represent different bird beaks, students tested which “foods” they were best able to pick up. They compared their results and discussed how each beak type is specially designed to help birds survive in their environments. Through observation, testing, and discussion, students deepened their understanding of adaptations and how physical traits help living things meet their needs. 

Students worked collaboratively to design and create a scarecrow to protect our class garden from birds. They discussed the purpose of a scarecrow, brainstormed materials that would be effective, and carefully planned how to assemble it so it would stand tall and be visible. Using teamwork and problem-solving skills, students constructed their scarecrow and reflected on how its size, clothing, and placement would help keep birds away. This hands-on project encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application of their learning about plants and garden care. 

During their experience at Diamond Del, students engaged in hands-on exploration as they sifted, sorted, and closely examined a variety of rocks and minerals. Using observation skills and classification strategies, they compared textures, colors, sizes, and shapes to help identify different rock types. This interactive experience strengthened their understanding of Earth science concepts while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. Students demonstrated perseverance and excitement as they worked like real geologists in the field. 

In this photo, our third graders welcomed Keeping Forsyth Beautiful as a special community partner to learn more about recycling and composting. Students explored what materials can be recycled, what can be composted, and how making thoughtful choices helps protect our environment. Through engaging, hands-on activities and discussions, they practiced sorting items and applying what they learned in real-life scenarios. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to connect classroom learning to their community and become more responsible environmental stewards. 

Students carefully measured and recorded the lengths of various worms to deepen their understanding of how different soil compositions and organic environments affect the efficiency of the vermicomposting process.

Students engaged in scientific inquiry as they collected and recorded data about the growth of grass over time. They measured height, observed changes in color and thickness, and documented their findings in charts and journals. By analyzing patterns and comparing results, students practiced making predictions and drawing conclusions based on evidence. This hands-on investigation strengthened their understanding of plant life cycles while building important skills in measurement, data collection, and critical thinking.