Third Grade Expeditions
Superheroes
Topics: Study of local and worldwide communities as a central institution in human history, as the foundation for studies of superheroes. Human body & nutrition, with emphasis on bones and muscle. Service in the community focus (anti bullying campaign).
Guiding Questions:
- What is a community?
- What makes a hero?
- Why are bones and muscles important to humans?
Core Texts:
Danny, Champion of the World
The Phantom Tollbooth
The Book of Three
A Street through Time
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg
Comic books
Literature circles
Magic Tree House books
Movers and Shakers
Topics: Exploration of Movers and Shakers, including physical, metaphysical, mental, and visionary potential, and the ability of people to bring about positive change; biographies; monument design and building. The solar system and earth systems. A study of time, including timelines and sundials.
Guiding Questions:
- Who are some of the people who have used their bodies, minds and spirits to bring about positive change in their communities?
- How do the sun, moon, earth, and stars relate to each other?
- How is time measured?
Core Texts:
Roxaboxen
Henry Climbs a Mountain
Diamond in the Window
Love that Dog (poetry)
Biographies
Literature circles
Various biographies on famous men and women past and present.
Sleuths and Scientists
Topics:How scientists and readers find clues and draw conclusions (scientific method). Mystery reading and writing. Humanity’s place in nature. How plants grow: experiments with soil, air & water. Stewardship and relationship to the natural world: journaling, inference, Haiku.
Guiding Questions:
- What resources, time, and energy are needed to create growing environments for plants?
- What natural systems do humans participate in?
- How do people respond to nature in action, literature, and science?
Core Texts:
A Walk in the Woods
The Secret Garden
Rachel Carson
Henry Builds a Cabin
The Mysteries of Harris Burdock
Literature circles
Mysteries
Field Work:
Health Adventure, Asheville Urban Trail for study of monuments, Mars Hill College museum; Biltmore House, Warren Wilson Garden and Farm, N.C. Nature Center, N.C. Arboretum, Hot Springs (Silver Mine Campground and Max Patch) end-of-year overnight.
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