Science for 3rd Graders

Discover the best science curriculum choices for third grade, find out what key scientific concepts are appropriate for third graders, and get tips for teaching science at this grade level. This is everything you need for third grade science in your homeschool.

It may be hard to believe, but your third grader is at the halfway point of their elementary education! With this in mind, let’s discuss the foundational learning required in third-grade science and how to best approach science in your homeschool. 

Early elementary science education typically covers a generalized list of topics related to earth and life science. A third-grade science curriculum builds on this foundation, adding more complexity and depth to the learning. 

This gradual layering of more and more scientific concepts is the basis of Sonlight’s approach to science. Because of this, we offer two options for third-grade science. This allows you to individualize your approach based on your child’s interests and needs. 

Our science curriculum choices for third grade are all literature based and include hands-on, STEM focused activities and experiments.

In many states, third grade marks the first year for standardized testing. However, few states require any sort of standardized test for science at this age. 

When third grade state testing includes science, the expectation is that students will be able to show:

1. An understanding of the content itself
2. The ability to investigate and reason scientifically
3. The capacity to connect concepts across subjects

This assessment of standards focuses on the learner's ability to think critically and apply scientific knowledge, something that is strengthened through the hands-on practice and application ingrained in Sonlight Science. 

An excellent science curriculum involves the student in the learning through a variety of materials and resources. A multisensory approach to learning makes the concepts more accessible to a variety of learning styles and needs. 

Our approach to science includes various modalities to make learning engaging and accessible.Each Sonlight Science program includes an Instructor's Guide, a collection of captivating books, and hands-on experiments.

You’ll find our approach encompasses:

• Literature Based Lessons
• STEM Focused Experiments
• Science Projects
• Worksheets for Practice
• Engaging Books
• Critical Thinking Questions
• Vocabulary Exercises

A robust third-grade science curriculum should foster your child’s natural curiosity about the world around them. 

In order to maintain the highest of standards in the ever changing world of science, a third grade science curriculum should necessarily take an integrated approach to third grade science. 

For example, our science curriculum centers on a literature based, hands-on, STEM focused method designed to increase your child’s understanding and engagement in learning about the world around them. 

A typical week of integrated science for third grade includes:

• Days 1-3: Reading with your child using included books and your instructor's guide
• Day 4: A science experiment that directly ties to the week’s learning
• Day 5: More reading of high-interest books

With this approach, your science curriculum will strengthen critical thinking skills and foster a curiosity that will last your third grader a lifetime.