Copyright © The Norwood Science Center 2015
Norwood Science Center
Grade 3
Topic #4: Geology
This unit will focus on two major components of the NGSS
(Next Generation Science Standards) that are now gradually
replacing the current State Standards.
Component #1
4-ESS3-2. Evaluate the design of a solution on its potential to reduce
the impacts of an earthquake, flood, tsunami or volcanic eruption on
humans.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of solutions could
include a proposal for an earthquake resistant building and improved
monitoring of volcanic activity.
The NGSS indicates this is a fourth grade
standard.
Our test data indicates students
need multiple exposures to a topic in order to
gain mastery. We used “Backward Design”
techniques to use the concepts of volcano and
earthquake hazards as the focus of Student
Investigations in grades 3, 4 and 5.
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Copyright © The Norwood Science Center 2015
Component #2
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Scientists and engineers plan and carry out investigations in the field
or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually. Their
investigations are systematic and require clarifying what counts as
data and identifying variables or parameters.
Elementary School (3-5)
Planning and carrying out investigations to answer questions or test
solutions to problems in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and
progresses to include investigations that control variables and provide
evidence to support explanations or design solutions.

Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data
to serve as the basis for evidence, using fair tests in which
variables are controlled and the number of trials considered.

Evaluate appropriate methods and/or tools for collecting data.

Make observations and/or measurements to produce data to
serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a
phenomenon or test a design solution.

Make predictions about what would happen if a variable changes.

Test two different models of the same proposed object, tool, or
process to determine which better meets criteria for success.
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Copyright © The Norwood Science Center 2015
Topic: Geology
Grade: 3
Science Center
Lesson
Week 1
Earthquake
Hazards
Teacher As
Facilitator
Week 2
Week 3
Earth Layers &
Plate Tectonics
Japanese
Earthquakes
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
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Classroom
Lesson
Seismograms
Student
Presentations
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