Course Outcome

Learners in the early elementary years have a natural curiosity about the world around them. They explore the world with their senses. The primary- grade 3 science program is an inquiry-based, hands-on program that encourages learners to discover the world around them by manipulating materials, gathering evidence by making direct observations, and talking and writing about what they are learning.  Learners will conduct investigations by asking questions, making plans and predictions, gathering evidence and evaluating their own thinking and the thinking of others.

The focus of the primary - grade 3 science curriculum is to support the development of scientific inquiry. Learners in P-3 will develop proficiency in the concepts of scientific processes, allowing them to become increasingly independent as the level of investigation becomes more sophisticated. 

Learners will analyse the interconnectiveness of air and water in the environment, inclusive of a Mi’kmaw perspective

With this outcome, learners will explore the characteristics of air and water and their interconnectivity. Much of the science investigation to date has been of concrete objects; in contrast, gases are sometimes only visible through their effects. Through investigations, learners will explore changes and interactions of air and water when they are heated or cooled, as well as their movement through the environment. This will lead to an exploration of evaporation and condensation. Learners will have multiple opportunities to collect, record, and analyse data. Learners will discover that water and air are vitally important and gain an understanding how pollution can affect living things. Learners will explore personal actions that contribute to clean air and clean water in the environment.

Learners will analyse the relationship between animal growth and the environment

Observing the growth and development of an individual organism can be a powerful learning experience, especially if the learner shares responsibility for its care. For example, learners can raise a butterfly from caterpillar to adult. The growth and development of the butterfly can then be compared to that of other animals and of themselves. This also provides an opportunity to investigate conditions for healthy growth of organisms. Learners will be challenged to make and record observations and to compare life cycles of various organisms. Learners will notice patterns of growth and how these patterns can be used to make predictions about different types of organisms. Learners will explore the role that humans play in protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity.

Learners will investigate liquids, solids, and mixtures

Categorizing liquids and solids provides one way for learners to organize their understanding of everyday substances. Learners will observe the similar and unique properties of solids and liquids. They will investigate ways in which solids and liquids interact in mixtures and learn that substances can have both a solid and a liquid phase. Investigations will extend to real-world problems involving viscosity, solutions and buoyancy.

Learners will test motion of objects

The study of moving things offers learners an opportunity to develop a sense of space, orientation, perspective, and relationship. Through observation, and the use of specific language, learners develop the ability to describe where things are and how they are moving. Learners will explore how descriptions of an object’s position and motion depend upon their perspective. Various types of motion will be explored as well as the factors that affect motion. Learners will engage in problem solving as they design and construct their own devices that move in specific ways. Learners will explore the design of fair tests which is the foundation for further scientific investigations involving control of variables.

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