Course Plan: Science - Living Things for Year 3
Introduction
Welcome to the Year 3 Science Course on Living Things! This course is designed to help students understand the fundamental concepts of living things, once-living things, and non-living things. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students will explore the characteristics that distinguish living organisms from non-living entities and delve into the fascinating world of fossils. By the end of this course, students will develop critical thinking skills and a curiosity for the science that surrounds us.
Course Goals and Aims
Goal:
To engage Year 3 students in exploring the characteristics and differences between living things, once-living things, and non-living things, thereby fostering an appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth and its historical significance.
Aims:
- To classify objects as living, once-living, or non-living and articulate the reasoning behind their classifications.
- To understand the unique characteristics that define living organisms.
- To create fossil impressions using natural or artificial objects.
- To explore the relationships between plants, animals, and their environments.
- To engage in scientific inquiry through observation, experimentation, and critical thinking.
Lesson Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to Living Things
- Objective: Introduce students to the concept of living things and their characteristics.
- Activities:
- Class discussion on what students think living things are.
- Presentation on the characteristics of living things (growth, movement, reproduction, response to stimuli).
- Classify provided objects as living, once-living, or non-living with a group activity.
Lesson 2: Exploring Once-Living Things
- Objective: Understand what defines once-living things and discuss examples.
- Activities:
- Discuss examples of once-living things (e.g., dead plants, animals, fossils).
- Create a Venn diagram comparing living and once-living things.
- Hands-on activity: Examine a collection of plant leaves and discuss which are still living and which are not.
Lesson 3: Introduction to Fossils
- Objective: Learn about fossils and their significance for understanding once-living things.
- Activities:
- Watch a video about how fossils are formed.
- Discuss different types of fossils and what they tell us about extinct organisms.
- Begin a project: Make fossil impressions using natural materials (sea shells, leaves, etc.) in clay.
Lesson 4: Products of Living Things
- Objective: Explore products derived from living things (e.g., fruits, wood, wool).
- Activities:
- Brainstorm a list of products that come from living things.
- Classify and discuss how these products relate to living organisms.
- Group project: Create a mini-presentation on a product derived from a living thing and its source.
Lesson 5: Classifying Living, Once-Living, and Non-Living Things
- Objective: Revisit the concepts learned and solidify knowledge through a fun assessment.
- Activities:
- Hands-on review game: Use flashcards of various objects and categorize them in groups.
- Class discussion on the importance of understanding living and non-living things.
- Conduct a small science exhibit where students present their fossil impressions and projects.
Conclusion
This course on Living Things will provide Year 3 students with a solid foundation in understanding the diversity of life and the connections between living organisms and their environments. Through interactive lessons and practical activities, students will develop a love for science and enhance their observational skills.
References
- Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority. (n.d.). Retrieved from Victorian Curriculum
- McGraw-Hill Education. (2015). Science: A Closer Look.
- National Geographic Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Geographic Kids
- Bowman, M. G., & Jong, E. D. (2016). Inquiry-Based Learning in Science: A Handbook for Teachers.
This course plan leverages interactive learning and essential scientific practices to ensure that Year 3 students gain an inquisitive understanding of living things and their characteristics.