3rd Grade Science Resource Guide 2015-2016 2nd Quarter
Unit 1: Observe, describe and investigate the properties of rocks and minerals (3.2.1, 3.2.2).
Sequence of Standards and Objectives
IPS Resources
3.2.1 Examine the physical properties of rock
samples and sort them into categories based
on size using simple tools such as sieves.
 SWBAT: Observe and describe the
physical properties of mock rocks. Use
measuring tools to gather data, record
& compare observations about mock
rocks. Observe that rocks can be
broken down into different
ingredients called minerals.
Foss Science Stories:
Written in Stone
Postcards from the Ledge
Birthstones
Old Man and the Rock
The Two Boys
Rock of Ages
Identifying Minerals
Where do Rocks Come From?
Earth Materials
3.2.2 Observe the detailed characteristics of rocks
and minerals. Identify rocks as being
composed of different combinations of
minerals.
 SWBAT: Observe and describe the
physical properties rocks. Record and
compare observations about rocks.
Observe that rocks can be broken
down into different ingredients called
minerals. Explore the properties of a
group of minerals. Investigate four
rocks to find out if they contain
calcite.
Delta Science Readers:
Earth Materials
Minerals, Rocks, and Fossils
Supplemental Resources
Properties of rocks and minerals
http://www.quia.com/rr/237366.html
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/sci
ence/rocks-minerals-landforms/minerals.htm
http://study.com/academy/lesson/opticalproperties-of-minerals-luster-light-transmissioncolor-streak.html
http://study.com/academy/lesson/rocks-andminerals-definitions-and-differences.html
http://video.about.com/geology/What-Is-theHardness-Scale-for-Minerals-.htm
Foss Earth Materials
Investigation 1-2
CORE LESSONS
Rocks and Minerals Unit
3.2.3 Classify and identify minerals by their physical
properties of hardness, color, luster, and streak.
SWBAT: Explore the properties of a group of
minerals. Investigate the hardness of
minerals. Differentiate minerals
according to hardness. Investigate four
rocks to find out if they contain calcite.
Indianapolis Public Schools
Department of Curriculum and instruction
3rd Grade Science Resource Guide 2015-2016 2nd Quarter
Unit 2: Analyze specific rocks and differentiate the characteristics that are used to identify them (3.2.4 – 3.2.6).
Sequence of Standards and Objectives
IPS Resources
3.2.4 Identify fossils and describe how they provide
evidence about the plants and animals that
lived long ago and the nature of their
environment at that time.
 SWBAT: Find out how living things
become fossilized. Summarize how
fossils provide evidence about plants
and animals that lived long ago.
Foss Science Stories:
Treasure Underfoot
X Marks the Spot
Digging it Up
3.2.5 Describe natural materials and give examples
of how they sustain the lives of plants and
animals.
 SWBAT: Identify how natural
materials (like limestone) is used for
farming and how it benefits plants.
3.2.6 Describe how the properties of earth materials
make them useful to humans in different
ways. Describe ways that humans have
altered these resources to meet their needs
for survival.
 SWBAT: Research & cite facts about
how we use Portland cement. Identify
what important mineral is in Portland
cement.
Indianapolis Public Schools
Delta Science Readers:
Dinosaur and Fossils
Foss Earth Materials
Investigation 3-4
Supplemental Resources
Fossils and minerals as natural resources
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/sci
ence/rocks-minerals-landforms/fossils.htm
http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/othershows/videos/i-ardipithecus-i-how-fossils-are-made/
http://educators.brainpop.com/lessonplan/fossilization-sequencing-games-how-bonesbecome-fossils/
Teacher Guide
Research Uses of Portland Cement
Limestone & Farming
CORE LESSONS
Fossil Find
Mystery Bones
Department of Curriculum and instruction