3rd/4th Grade Independent Study
Topics
STANDARDS:
Math: Adding, Subtracting and Multiplying Decimals.
Rates/Ratios – Scale Model
Science: Use of inquiry and scientific investigation to deduct, reason, and
hypothesize potential solutions.
Communication: Written and Verbal Explanation/Presentation of the project
Creativity/Ingenuity – Design/Modeling
Researching/Investigative/Writing
Use of technology integration
Goal: Provide Differentiated Curriculum for Students on an Independent Project that
will center on STEM principles.
Unit 1: BUILD, DESIGN, and ENGINEER
Students will explore a unit of study/interest and focus on Independent learning
from a theme basis. Classes will select from topic themes of interest which may
include but are not limited to the following:
Design/Build – Students will design and build a house using math and calculations
to find the area/perimeter of the house. They will maintain a budget and learn to
solve mathematical problems and challenges surrounding construction.
Students will use the program “Build a home” to simulate house building and
modeling
Mentors: Students may be provided opportunities for mentors in the construction
field.
Students will build scale models and use 3D software to build/design their house.
Students will create a blueprint of their house.
Students will build an actual model of the home.
UNIT 2: GEE – IT’s GEOLOGY
Students will explore the earth and geology –
Background on geologist and the earth will be given in class
Students will independently explore and investigate the following geology topics:
Students will explore the Rock Cycle:
Students will explore: Weather Systems:
Students will explore: Types of Rocks: Metamorphic, Igneous, and Sedimentary
Rocks
Students will explore: Earths Systems and Natural Disaster.
Mentor opportunities will become available from Department of Conservation
including the erosion table.
Other mentor opportunities may include virtual fieldtrips/virtual interviews.
Students will complete independent contract to learn about geology in-depth.
UNIT 3: IT’S A MYSTERY
Students will explore a unit all about mysteries. Students will focus on mysteries of
the unknown along with solving in-class mysteries using the scientific processes.
Students will explore and propose solutions for the following: Red Herrings –
Stories with Holes
Students will explore: Unsolved Mysteries
Students will use scientific investigation and deduction to solve mysteries in class
using scientific tools and the inquiry process.
Students will create radio mysteries or design a mystery.
Students will solve 1-Hour Mysteries
Independent Study will include research, investigating, and presenting Unsolved
Mysteries.
UNIT 4: The SCIENCE AROUND US!
Students will investigate the world of science through an investigative approach.
Students will use the inquiry process and the scientific method to test and problem
solve.
Students will investigate science though experimentation and scientific connections
to the world.
Students will investigate toys and reactions to relate science to the real world.
Students will explore toys and their connection to science.
Students will design and engineer products to make connections to real-world
applications.
Students will propose solutions to science challenges in our world.
Physics & Chemistry of Science – Students will learn to question and inquire about
science around us. Students will investigate a series of science investigations to
develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. In addition, students will
engineer and design products that relate to the physics of science.
*Units will rotate
Technology & Coding
STANDARDS: Students will utilize Creativity and Thinking; Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving and Communication and Collaboration along with technology
integration and concepts.
Students will explore the history of technology
Students will explore the history of computers
Students will explore the history and foundation of Coding
Students will explore binary Numbers
Students will explore how have we utilized technology?
Students will begin the basics of coding using drag and drop programming and
robotic programming
Independent Study – Technology and How it has Changed our Lives
Integrating Technology into our Lives
Independent Projects: Development and Design of Coding Programs
Competitions and Contests:
Students at 3rd & 4th grade will participate in a series of completions and contests to
extend both gifted and classroom learning. These competitions are based on the
needs and interests of the gifted students. Many of the competitions focus on our
STEM theme and require science, technology, math, and engineering.
Competitions may include the following:
*PTA Reflections
*Milk Carton Competition
*NASA Technology Challenges
*Odyssey of the Mind
*Extempore’
*Virtual Science Challenges
*Engineering Challenges
*Independent Study and research are a large component of these competitions.
Logic, Reasoning and Deduction
Students will be exposed to a variety of logic, deduction, reasoning, and problem
solving. These challenges will encourage creativity, engineering, and problem
solving to enhance critical thinking. These skill swill extend both gifted and
classroom learning. Logic, deduction, and reasoning may include the following:
*Spontaneous Combustion
*Noodlers
*Logic Puzzles – Deduction and Reasoning
*Extempore’
*Engineering Challenges
*Tangrams – Spatical Visualization
*Brain Booglers
*Noetic Math Challenges
*Problem Solving w/Math
*Stories w/Holes
*Set
*Patterns and Problem Solving
*Red Herrings
Other Focus Areas:
Thinking and Problem Solving Skills :
Students will be working on the thinking skills associated with problem solving and
critical thinking. These skills will provide a foundation for problem solving and
critical thinking used in our every-day world.
Emotional Quotient :
Students will explore common gifted characteristic including the social and
emotional needs of gifted students
Students will investigate the celebrations and challenges of being gifted.
Students investigate strategies to being successful as a gifted individual.