California Common Core Math standards are taught in 3rd grade. By the end of the year, students are expected to be proficient in knowing their 1-10 multiplication facts and division facts within 100 to automaticity.
A critical skill we will be focusing on this year is problem solving. Students will use their strategies and knowledge to solve various mathematical problems. Students not only sharpen computational skills, but also use this skill to analyze and solve multi-step problems. Students become proficient in explaining their mathematical reasoning both numerically and using written expression effectively.
Another key skill for students is to begin to understand the relationship between whole numbers and simple fractions. They explore simple equivalents such as 1/2 = 2/4 or 2/3 is the same as 4/6.
In geometry students learn the attributes of and how to categorize and recognize various quadrilaterals. They also learn to calculate area, perimeter and volume.
Measurement focuses on both customary and metric units of measure, as well of concepts related to time.
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Common Core Standards in reading/language arts are addressed in grade 3. In reading, students learn to identify main idea and supporting details, use inference, identify the author's intent, and begin to understand character development by focusing on what the character does and says. Students cite text to answer questions related to their readings. Students begin to learn independent study skills and the use of reference materials and apply these to create research based reports and projects.
Writing Assessments for the year include genres of personal narrative, informational writing, and opinion pieces.
Increasingly, students use technology based applications to gather skills, produce written work, research and use editing tools to enhance their written responses. Multimedia presentations are created and digital citizenship addressed. Online learning components are added to existing curricular areas regularly. (Typing Agent, Lexia Learning, STMath, etc.)
Social Studies - Students learn about our local community including its history when the region was inhabited by the Ohlone and first European settlers. Students also learn about California's regions, U.S. citizenship and government.
There are three main topics in third grade science: Forces and Interactions, Animal and Plant Life, and Weather Patterns and Climate. Students begin to use the scientific method and have hands on experiences through the use of Mystery Science.