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Third Grade Update

December 7, 2012

Cold Weather Coming!

Please help your child be prepared for next weeks cold blast! We will be going outside for recess. Students will need to be dressed for the colder weather and come with a coat. Gloves or mittens would also be appropriate.

Curriculum Updates from our Third Grade Team

Math Investigations: Our new unit is on measurement and geometry during December. This week students learned how to measure the perimeter of objects and polygons. Fact practice continues to be a part of our math each week. Students should have addition and subtraction facts through 12 memorized by this time in third grade. In January we will begin timed tests on multiplication facts. Common Core Standards state that third grade students are to have mastered their multiplication and division facts through 10 by the end of the school year. Science Imagineers: Last week we applied what we had learned from the physical characteristics of the three states of matter and began to change their state. Through our chocolate science lab (a favorite of your children!) and our thermometer lab, we were able to prove what it takes to change each state of matter-heat. We have learned that thermal energy is given off by many things and understand that thermal energy can be transferred. Our Matter and Energy terms for the week included: thermal energy, temperature, water vapor, evaporate, thermometer, thermostat, thermos, and thermal underwear! Continued on next page

If yo ur child is missing an item of clothing, please check the lost and found at JTSD. There are many items each week that are left at school and not claimed!

Contact Information
Mrs. Clark
875-5617

Ms. Neathery
875-5642

Dr. Williams
875-5616 jenniferwilliams@n ixaschools.net

pamclark@nixasch bethneathery@nixa ools.net schools.net

THIRD GRADE UPDATE

DECEMBER 7, 2012

Requested iPad Aps

These are the requested iPad aps for this week: Doodle Buddy

Curriculum Updates continued

This past week we have also investigated measurement
by graphing, predicting and analyzing the temperature outside. Each class was able to witness what will happen to water if heat energy is added or taken away (this was our graduated cylinder with a balloon experiment.) My own class will remember this experiment well as we experienced more than we bargained with a broken glass container, thankfully, no one was harmed. Good reminder that science must always be treated with respect and responsibility Next week we are transitioning into our weather unit and will apply our knowledge of matter to discover the processes and interactions of the Earth's Systems (Geosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere.) Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions and thank you for the opportunity to teach your children each day. Writing Workshop: In writing, the children have been learning about persuasive texts. We have examined several examples of persuasive writing. The kids will be writing a letter to Santa to persuade him to give them something they are wanting. They will have a minimum of 1 paragraph (1 wish) with appropriate reasons, examples, and counterarguments. We are using the visual image of a double stuffed Oreo cookie, with an added piece of the counterargument. This added component lets the children anticipate the cons to the gift and allow them to address how they plan to overcome them.

Photo Notes (iPhone ap)

Educreations

Geoboard

Class Party Info! All third grade classes are having breakfast for our parties. Date: December 20 8:30-10:30