3rd Grade NGSS Science Unit: Life Cycles - Growth and Development of Organisms

3rd Grade NGSS Science Unit: Life Cycles - Growth and Development of Organisms

Overview: Explore the fascinating life cycles of plants, animals, and insects in this comprehensive science unit designed for third-grade learners, both in classrooms and homeschool settings. Featuring 10 detailed lessons, this unit utilizes PowerPoint presentations and hands-on activities to delve deeply into the wonders of life and growth. The unit concludes with a collaborative project that not only cements students' learning but is also perfectly aligned with NGSS Science and Engineering Practices.

NGSS Alignment:

• 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

Approach to Learning:

• Interactive and Hands-on: Engage students with experiments and activities that illuminate the science of life cycles.
• Connection to Prior Knowledge: Lessons build on what students already know about organisms to introduce complex life cycle concepts.
• Focus on Inquiry: Foster a classroom environment where questions and exploration drive deeper understanding.

What’s Covered?

• Lesson 1: Living and Non-living Things
• Lesson 2: Introduction to Life Cycles
• Lesson 3: Understanding Seeds
• Lesson 4: Stages of Germination
• Lesson 5: Requirements for Plant Growth
• Lesson 6: Parts of a Plant
• Lesson 7: Transport of Water and Nutrients in Plants
• Lesson 8: Photosynthesis
• Lesson 9: Plant Reproduction (Pollination)
• Lesson 10: Insect Life Cycles

End of Unit Project: "Extraterrestrial Life Cycles Design Challenge" (with Video Intro): Embark on an interstellar adventure with Professor Moon, ruler of a neighboring universe. Students will receive extraterrestrial eggs to nurture and must use their knowledge to design a life cycle for a newly created outer-space creature. This project challenges students to collaborate, think critically, and apply their knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

What's Included?

• Engaging Lessons: 10 lesson plans with teaching presentations and interactive student journals.
• Comprehensive Resources: Teacher guides, vocabulary posters, hands-on lab activities, reading tasks, and assessments.
• End-of-Unit Project: Materials and guides for the "Extraterrestrial Life Cycles Design Challenge."
• Assessment Tools: Includes formative and summative assessments with answer keys.

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