GRADE 3 SCIENCE
Strong and Stable Structures:
LES IDÉES PRINCIPAUX (The Big Ideas) 

1.  A structure has both form and function. 
2.  Structures are affected by forces acting on them. 
3.  Structures need to be strong

OVERVIEW:
Both people and animals build structures, and both people and animals need their structures to be strong and stable and to last a long time. Students need to understand the important distinction between strength (the capacity to withstand forces that tend to break an object or change its shape) and stability (the capacity to maintain balance and stay fixed in one position), and the ways in which these two properties affect the usefulness of a structure. Students will investigate the factors that affect a structureís strength and stability, such as its shape and centre of gravity, and apply their learning as they design and build their own strong and stable structures.

Students in Grade 3 will encounter very few hazards in their designing and building activities. However, it is important that they be able to identify general practices that ensure their personal safety and the safety of others and to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of these practices. This includes knowing why work spaces should be kept tidy and uncluttered, and why it is important to follow instructions carefully.

OVERALL EXPECTATIONS:

By the end of Grade 3, students will:
  • assess the importance of form, function, strength, and stability in structures through time;
  • investigate strong and stable structures to determine how their design and materials enable them to perform their load-bearing function;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of structure, strength, and stability and the factors that affect them

www.linktolearning.com - supports all 4 strands of Science!

www.sciencekids.co/nz/pictures/structures.html - Check out the pictures of famous buildings, structures, statues, bridges, landmarks, monuments and locations.  Explore the entire site that has fun science and technology for kids!

Structures:  Building Big (Building a bridge, dam, dome, skyscraper or tunnel)

Learn how a playground was put together:
http://www.tvokids.com/videos/niagarafallswaterpark
http://www.tvokids.com/videos/etobicokenaturepark
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Fundamental Concepts:

Structure and Function

​Matter 

Big Ideas:

​
​A structure has both form and function. (Overall expectations 1, 2, and 3)

Structures are affected by forces acting on them. (Overall expectations 1 and 3)

​Structures need to be strong and stable to be useful. (Overall expectations 1, 2, and 3)
GRADE 4 SCIENCE 
We have just wrapped up our first Science unit on: Les habitats! Our next Science unit will focus on: Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Rocks and Minerals! 

We are starting Rocks and Minerals later this week (Dec. 1st). Our introductory will focus on what we already know and what we want to learn about as a group during the unit. Here are the overall expectations for the unit and BIG IDEAS:

Fundamental Concepts: 

Change and Continuity

Sustainability and Stewardship

Structure and Function 

Big Ideas: 

Rocks and minerals have unique characteristics and properties that are a result of how they were formed. (Overall expectations 2 and 3)

The properties of rocks and minerals determine society’s possible uses for them. (Overall expectations 1 and 2)

​Our use of rocks and minerals affects the environment. (Overall expectation 1)