Properties of Solids
GRADE 3 THEME: How the world works
CENTRAL IDEA: Exploring properties of matter helps us understand the nature of the scientific process.
As part of the "finding out" phase of the inquiry cycle, the third graders inquired into the various properties of solids - balls, in particular.
They learned to explore different types of balls and compare them by observing, measuring, and recording their sizes (circumference), colors, texture, weight, bounce height, buoyancy, etc.
Not only are they learning about properties of balls, but they are also developing their research (observing, recording and interpreting results), social skills (cooperating, adopting to various roles), thinking skills (analyzing), communication skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), and self-management skills (gross and fine motor skills, time management). We're certainly grooming well-rounded scientists!