Young Scholars Program
Grade 3: Curriculum Framework
Program Goals:
The Young Scholars Pilot Program will develop critical thinking skills, creative thinking, and problem solving skills by
having students in grades 3 – 5:







successfully complete above grade level mathematics enrichment and accelerated tasks, including the participation
in various mathematical and problem solving competitions.
effectively apply mathematical and scientific problem-solving processes to reason logically and think critically by
using novel approaches and ideas
communicate clearly and effectively in speaking, writing, and using technology for a variety of audiences and
purposes
develop and nurture positive academic identify in the areas of mathematics and science
engage in a variety of cross-curricular activities and experiences aimed at building academic identity
develop technology skills by analyzing, interpreting, and creating various media presentations
foster understanding of self and others through collaborative experiences and competitions
Enduring Understandings
Organisms and their environments are
interconnected. Changes in one part of the
system will affect other parts of the system.
Humans can alter the living and non-living
factors within an ecosystem, thereby creating
changes to the overall system.
All organisms transfer matter and convert
energy from one form to another. Both matter
and energy are necessary to build and
maintain structures within the organism.
The life processes of organisms are affected
by their interactions with each other and their
environment, and may be altered by human
manipulation.
Conceptual
Understanding
The students will
understand that
interactions within
ecosystems
contribute to
change within
environments.
Essential Questions
How can change in one part of an
ecosystem affect change in other parts of
the ecosystem?
How do humans have an impact on the
diversity and stability of ecosystems?
How matter transferred and energy
transferred/transformed in living systems?
What can we do to benefit the health of
humans and other organisms?
Science Overview for Grade 3
Conceptual
Understandings
Content Focus
Duration
Essential Learning/Key Concepts


Interactions
within the
Environment

4 sessions


The students will
understand that
interactions within
ecosystems
contribute to
change within
environments.

Human Impact
4 sessions



Matter and
Energy
Transformations

4 sessions



Life Processes
and Technology
Application
4 sessions

An interconnectedness exists among the living and
nonliving parts of the environment. This
interconnectedness can be observed by the
changes made by plants and animals in their
environment.
Plants and animals need enough space and
resources to survive. Overcrowding leads to an
increased need for resources.
All living organisms interact with the living and
nonliving parts of their surroundings to meet their
needs for survival. These interactions lead to a
constant exchange of matter.
Changes in an organism’s environment may be
either beneficial or harmful. Organisms may be
affected by other organisms, by various physical
factors (e.g., rainfall, temperature), by physical
forces (e.g., storms, earthquakes), and by daily,
seasonal, and annual cycles.
In order to survive, populations within an
ecosystem require a balance of resources.
Many natural resources are limited. The amount
available can be made to last longer by decreasing
the use of some resources or by reusing or
recycling certain materials.
Human activities may cause pollution or air, water
and soil.
Different technologies are used to access
resources to meet human wants and needs. In
many cases the environment is affected and
resources become limited.
Plants and animals are living things. All living
things have basic needs for survival including air,
water, food (nutrients), space, shelter, and light.
In addition to basic needs for survival, living things
have needs specific to the organism such as
temperature range and food requirements.
Plants need the Sun’s energy to grow and survive.
Animals need food to provide materials and energy
for life which they derive directly or indirectly from
plants.
The ability of an organism to meet its needs for
survival is dependent upon its environment.
Manipulation of the environment can positively or
negatively affect the well being of various
organisms that live there.
Short term and long term studies are used to
determine the effects of environmental changes
(natural and man-made) on the health of
organisms within that environment.
Semester One
The students will understand that interactions within ecosystems
contribute to change within environments.
In this sequence, students will investigate organisms and their interaction in an ecosystem.
Lesson Sequence
Indicators
The Structure of Knowledge
Conceptual Understanding:
Students will understand that
interactions within ecosystems
contribute to change withing
environments.
Concepts:
Change
Interactions
Interdependence
Relationships
Topics:
Ecosystems
Environment
Plants
Pollution