Third Grade

Each student will grow in his/her personal relationship with God. In religion, the students’ understanding of the Catholic Church will deepen in terms of Doctrine, Scripture, Worship, and Christian Living. Students will experience the Church as a Christian community. Students will explore God’s gift of family, self, and life. Students will understand how making healthy choices in our lives brings us closer to Jesus as we strive to be more like Him.

Students will learn and investigate our three main areas of science, which include life science, earth science, and physical science. They will study plant growth, different types of animals, endangered species and extinction, and ecosystems (life science). Students will learn about the solar system and beyond. They will learn about planet Earth and take a look at how the Earth and Moon interact. They will also learn what causes seasons (earth science). Students will study the properties of matter and changes they make. Students will learn about energy, light, and color (physical science). Students will experience the Scientific Method.

In social studies, students will describe the major physical landforms of our nation. By using maps and photographs, they will be able to organize information about the people, places, and environment in a spatial context. Students will compare and contrast Native American tribes of California. Students will analyze the relationship between the early settlers and the already established Native Americans. Students will understand how natural resources are used in farming, industry, and transportation. Students will understand and identify our nation’s cherished symbols of liberty and will gain knowledge of our national holidays. Students will learn about the lives of important American heroes such as Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.