Ms. Lohitsa's
Science Lab
Homework...
Third grade scientists will recieve homework once a week to practice or review a skill/idea we are discussing in class. There will be a summary at the top of the homework to help students and families remember what we have discussed that week.
Homework will be given the first class period and collected and reviewed the third class period. The homework may contain simulations, games, videos and questions about the topics for the week.
I will attach all copies of homework here.
Homework will begin the week of of September 25th, 2017
9-25-17 Homework #1 : Improving a Design
REVIEW: Over the past three weeks students have been introduced to world of engineering. They were challenged to build the tallest freestanding tower they could using spaghetti, marshmallows, masking tape, string, paper and 20 minutes. They were required to brainstorm ideas, develop a blueprint, construct a prototype and then evaluate it to see how to improve it based on their observations during the first construction. In class we began our discussion about the engineering design process and discussed the importance of collecting data through observation.
10-2-17 Homework #2: EDP
REVIEW: Last week we took a closer look at the Engineering Design Process and how engineers use it to develop a solution to a problem. The process is a cycle and some of the steps can be repeated multiple times. Failure is part of the process and it is an opportunity to learn something new or make an improvement!
10-9-17 Homework #3: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
REVIEW: Last week we started our first unit on forces and motion. We started collecting our thoughts about how and why objects move, how you can get an object to chance direction and what a force actually is. We are in the process of recording our wonderings about forces of motion and designing our first experiment to test how balanced and unbalanced forces affect an object.
10-16-17 Homework #4: Moving the Box
REVIEW: Last week we continued looking at forces. A force is a push or a pull. Different forces are used to move different objects. We discussed the idea of balanced and unbalanced forces. Unbalanced forces are where two forces being exerted on an object are not equal. Balanced forces are where two forces placed on an object are equal.
11-14-17 Homework #5: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Last week we started our engineering design project that took a closer look at balanced and unbalanced forces. Students designed blueprints for their cotton ball obstacle courses. In these courses, students were asked to design an obstacle course for a cotton ball that matched a certain set of criteria. Each of these criteria demonstrated balanced or unbalanced forces acting on a the cotton ball. some classes even had the opportunity to start building.
10-23-17 Homework #6: Conducting a Fair Test
REVIEW: Last we started taking a closer look at the scientific method and conducting a fair test. As scientists we know that we should test one change at a time (think about Ms. Lohitsa’s chicken recipe)!
11-5-17 Homework #7: Conducting a Fair Test # 2
We are still taking a closer look at the scientific method and how we conduct a fair test. As scientists we know that we should test one change at a time to see what happens as a result. We can remember how to conduct a fair test by thinking about how Cows Moo Softly! That is a pneumonic to help you remember that we change one thing in the experiment, measure or observe and then same for everything else.
1-8-18 Homework #8: Introduction to Magnets
This week we started a new unit on Magnets. We will be studying magnets for the next 8 weeks discussing uses of magnets, attraction to materials and much more. This homework assignment serves as an opener to get students thinking about where they find magnets and how we use them!
1-15-18 Homework #9: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
Last week we took a closer look at how different magnets can have various strengths. We discussed how the only way to determine the strength of a magnet is to conduct different tests and record the data. We also started looking at how we can argue from evidence using the idea of Claim, Evidence and Reasoning. A claim is a statement, evidence is proof from the data that often includes a comparison and reasoning is why something could have occurred in that pattern.
1-22-18 Homework #10: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning 2
Last week we continued to examine how different magnets can have various strengths. We discussed how the only way to determine the strength of a magnet is to conduct different tests and record as much data as possible. Scientists collect hundreds and thousands of data samples to understand all possible outcomes. We also continued looking at how we can argue from evidence using the idea of Claim, Evidence and Reasoning. A claim is a statement, evidence is data (numbers or characteristics) that often includes a comparison and reasoning is why or how the data supports or doesn’t support the claim.
1-29-18 Homework #11: Magnets: True or False
Last week we continued to examine various magnets. Students reported that they believed the size of the magnet was a determining factor in the strength of a magnet. In order to determine if this was in fact the case, students examined 4 different magnets of various sizes. We also had an opportunity to look at the magnetic field of a magnet using iron fillings on a piece of paper. Students were able to see the different fields around magnets of various sizes. As we begin to wrap up this unit on magnetism, students will reflect on what they have learned to be true about magnets thus far.
3-5-18 Homework #12 Model of an Atom
Last week we started our new unit on electricity! Our young scientists will be spending the next 6 weeks learning all about atoms, static electricity, current electricity, circuits, conductors and insulators. They have been learning about the components of an atom and how parts of the atom cause static electricity. We have also been experimenting to identify what causes static electricity.
3-26-18 Homework #13: Electricity
4-2-18 Homework #14: Static Electricity Model Evaluations
For the past two weeks we have been exploring and learning all about static electricity. Students have been experimenting with what causes these sudden shocks, sparks and stings! We completed two labs that had students rub various materials against one another and then see if they would stick to one another or repel and cause an object to move. We also learned that electrons can move between objects when they are rubbed together.
4-09-18 Homework # 15 Drawing a Circuit Diagram
Last week we looked at the parts of a fully functioning circuit. Students had the opportunity to explore with batteries, wires, alligator clips and lightbulbs. Their first two challenges involved getting the lightbulb to light up and the then making the lightbulb brighter.
4-16-18 Homework # 16 Matching Schematics
Last week we looked at the how to draw a schematic diagram. Students learned that there are symbols that can be used to represent different parts of a circuit. Electricians, physicists and engineers use schematics to understand circuits.
4-24-17 Homework #17 Living and Non-Living Sort
Last week we started a unit on plants and animals in various ecosystems. We began the unit by looking at living and non-living things and what classifies an object as a living thing. Then students engaged in their first class debate utilizing terms of respectful and friendly argument. It was a truly amazing experience!
5-1-17 # 18 Parts of a Plant
Our newest unit is all about plants and animals within various ecosystems. We have taken a closer look at how living things and non-living things are interconnected with one another. Last week we conducted living and non-living sorts as well as look at the various parts of a plant. We even got a chance to learn about the plants water vascular system. This week we will be growing garlic, spending some time in the garden (if weather permits) and learning about animal adaptations).
5-8-17 Homework #19 Understanding Plants
In this weeks lessons we reviewed all the parts of a plant and their functions. We discussed results from our carnation and celery lab. We took a closer look at how each part of the plant helps the plant survive in extreme conditions. We also discussed how plants can have adaptations (special body parts) that help them survive in their environments.
5-1-17 # 20 Camouflage
This week we began looking at various animal adaptations. An Adaptation is a physical feature, characteristic or behavior that an animal has that helps them to survive. We started by examining camouflage- an animal’s way of blending into its’ surroundings to hide from its’ predator or prey. We also took a look at disruptive coloration- a pattern that makes it hard to see the outline of an object; countershading- blending in with two sets of colors that let them almost disappear into their environments; chromatophores- animals that can change color to match their surroundings.
5-8-17 Homework #21 Your favorite memory!
This week we are continuing to look at animal adaptations while students make their presentations and learn all about migration, hibernation, and mighty physical adaptations! This will be the last homework assignment for the year! Notebooks will make their way home at the end of next week (Week of June 1st).