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Georgia Standards of Excellence

Grade 3 Science Standards

Everything Georgia expects Grade 3 students to learn in Science, on one page. These are the official Georgia Standards of Excellence: the same goals teachers plan from.

5 standards · Open in the interactive explorer · Plain-text version

Earth and Space Science

Earth and Space Science

S3E1Rocks and Soils Attributes

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical attributes of rocks and soils.

Across the grades →

  • S3E1.a

    Ask questions and analyze data to classify rocks by their physical attributes (color, texture, luster, and hardness) using simple tests.

  • S3E1.b

    Plan and carry out investigations to describe properties (color, texture, capacity to retain water, and ability to support growth of plants) of soils and soil types (sand, clay, loam).

  • S3E1.c

    Make observations of the local environment to construct an explanation of how water and/or wind have made changes to soil and/or rocks over time.

S3E2Fossils as Past Evidence

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on how fossils provide evidence of past organisms.

Across the grades →

  • S3E2.a

    Construct an argument from observations of fossils (authentic or reproductions) to communicate how they serve as evidence of past organisms and the environments in which they lived.

  • S3E2.b

    Develop a model to describe the sequence and conditions required for an organism to become fossilized.

Physical Science

Physical Science

S3P1Heat Energy Transfer

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the ways heat energy is transferred and measured.

Across the grades →

  • S3P1.a

    Ask questions to identify sources of heat energy.

  • S3P1.b

    Plan and carry out an investigation to gather data using thermometers to produce tables and charts that illustrate the effect of sunlight on various objects.

  • S3P1.c

    Use tools and every day materials to design and construct a device/structure that will increase/decrease the warming effects of sunlight on various materials.

Life Science

Life Science

S3L1Georgia Regional Habitats

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the similarities and differences between plants, animals, and habitats found within geographic regions (Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plains, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau) of Georgia.

Across the grades →

  • S3L1.a

    Ask questions to differentiate between plants, animals, and habitats found within Georgia's geographic regions.

  • S3L1.b

    Construct an explanation of how external features and adaptations (camouflage, hibernation, migration, mimicry) of animals allow them to survive in their habitat.

  • S3L1.c

    Use evidence to construct an explanation of why some organisms can thrive in one habitat and not in another.

S3L2Pollution Effects on Environment

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of pollution (air, land, and water) and humans on the environment.

Across the grades →

  • S3L2.a

    Ask questions to collect information and create records of sources and effects of pollution on the plants and animals.

  • S3L2.b

    Explore, research, and communicate solutions, such as conservation of resources and recycling of materials, to protect plants and animals.