Third Grade Core Science Vocabulary
Physical Sciences: Matter & Energy
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To take in or soak up some sort of a fluid (liquid or gas). (Investigation 2)
To change the nature or form of something. (Investigation 1)
The ability to do work or make things happen. Energy can take a number of forms
and can be converted from one form to another. (Investigation 1)
gas
Matter that has no definite volume or shape and fills a closed container.
(Investigation 3)
light source Anything that produces light. Examples: the Sun, a light bulb, or a flame.
(Investigation 2)
liquid
Matter that has a definite volume, flows and takes the shape of the
container it is in. (Investigation 3)
A quantity of matter. (Investigation 3)
mass
Anything that has mass and takes up space. (Investigation 3)
matter
To change from solid to liquid. Heat causes solids to melt. (Investigation 4)
melt
reflect
To bounce off an object or surface; light reflects off a mirror
(Investigation 2, also found in Sun, Moon, & Stars, Investigation 2)
Matter that has a definite shape and volume. (Investigation 3)
solid
state of
A form of matter dependent on temperature. The three common states of matter
are solid, liquid, and gas. (Investigation 3)
matter
stored
Energy available for use such as chemical energy, and potential energy.
Examples: batteries/food (Investigation 1)
energy
absorb
convert
energy
thermometer
vibrate
water vapor
wave
A tool used to measure temperature. (Investigation 4)
To move back-and-forth quickly. (Investigation 1)
Water in its gas state. (Investigation 4)
A regular, repeating pattern, such as an ocean wave or a sound wave.
(Investigation 1)
Life Sciences: Structures of Life
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Things that animals do when they respond to certain conditions. (Investigation 3)
A species of animal or plant with no living members alive anywhere on Earth.
(Investigation 4)
A structure of a plant in which seeds are formed. (Investigation 1)
fruit
The beginning of development of a seed as it grows into a plant after a period of
germination dormancy or rest. Dormant: When something is resting or inactive.
(Investigation 2)
property
Something about matter that can be observed such a the size, color, texture,
shape, or smell.(Investigation 1)
seed
The structure in a fruit that holds the undeveloped plant embryo.
(Investigation 3)
Any identifiable part of an organism. (Investigation 3)
structure
behavior
extinct
Earth Sciences: Sun, Moon, & Stars
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A set of events or actions that repeat in a predictable pattern. Examples: life
cycle, lunar cycle, water cycle.
(Investigation 2, also found in Structures of Life, Investigation 2)
The apparent boundary between Earth’s surface and the sky. (Investigation 1)
horizon
Earth’s natural satellite. (Investigation 2)
moon
orbit
To move or travel around an object in a curved path. Earth orbits the Sun. The
Moon orbits Earth. (Investigation 2)
predictable To estimate accurately in advance based on a pattern or previous
knowledge. Example: The Sun always rises in the East and sets in the West.
(Investigation 1)
The dark area behind an object that blocks light. (Investigation 1)
shadow
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star
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sunlight
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sunrise
The time of day when the Sun is “coming up” over the horizon in the east; early
morning. (Investigation 1)
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sunset
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telescope
The time of day when the Sun is going below the horizon in the west; beginning of
nighttime. (Investigation 1)
An optical instrument that makes objects appear closer and larger.
(Investigation 3)
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cycle
A huge sphere of hydrogen and helium that radiates heat and light. The Sun is a
star. (Investigation 2)
Visible light from the Sun. (Investigation 1)