Did you know that one of the distinguishing field marks of the snowy egret is its yellow feet? Third graders recently traveled to the Audubon Center for a bird identification program and learned this fact and many more. After a brief explanation on how to use binoculars, they practiced their skills by viewing a variety of birds at one of the Audubon’s many bird feeding stations. Tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, downy woodpeckers and mourning doves were among the visitors. Students were then given bird identification charts and challenged to identify many species of birds perched in the trees in the Larsen Sanctuary. Some of these included a blue jay, northern mockingbird, white-breasted nuthatch and American goldfinch. The 3rd graders demonstrated impressive bird identification skills! In 4th grade, they will participate in a “mock” bird banding program and as 5th graders visit the Birdcraft Museum to observe licensed bird banders.

Third grade traveled to the Fairfield History Museum recently to discover how communities change over time. Students were surprised to learn that Trumbull, Easton, Weston and Black Rock were actually once part of Fairfield. We learned that the first native American tribe in Fairfield was called the Unquowans! We even located The Unquowa School on a map of Fairfield from 1937. In the main gallery, students looked at artifacts and participated in hands-on activities from Connecticut’s theater history.  In this exhibit, students were excited to try on costumes and create their own theater production on a stage. Before leaving, students completed a craft where they created people from a chosen time period in the the United Stares out of clothes pins and craft supplies. It was a fun and educational look at our area’s history.

Third grade students are learning about parts of the body in Spanish class. Recently, students encountered an interesting creature named Mauricio who came to visit class.  Mauricio came to class because he was in need of some help.  He had so many aches and pains! Third graders were able to help Mauricio identify which body parts were hurting him.  Now, third graders are in the process of creating their own creatures, which they will soon describe and share with the class.

Does a mountain ever change? YES! Third graders have been learning about changes to landforms in science class. In this lab, students created a model of a mountain with sand and soil. Donning safety glasses for protection, students gently blew on the sand and discovered the effects of wind on landforms over time. Later, students experimented with slow and heavy “rainfall” on mountains, realizing that the material on top of the mountain often ended up at the base. Students discovered that mountains and other landforms do, in fact, change. Finally, students came up with some creative ideas for protecting landforms from erosion, including building fences and planting vegetation. Great job, third grade scientists!

The third grade class traveled to Brookfield, CT to visit the Mother Earth Mine.  Upon our arrival, we were shown many different minerals and learned a bit about each one.  Did you know that “bloodstone” was used on the battlefield to treat injuries because of its ability to remain cold? Or that amethyst laid next to your bed is said to catch all of your bad dreams? We learned these things and much more! After a short video on the real-world hard work of mining for gemstones, students donned head lamps and headed into the mine. Although the mine was dimly lit, we managed to uncover many minerals to carry out. Our trip concluded with a trip to the unique gift shop where many students bought treasures to take home. Mother Nature and Mother Earth are amazing!

Third grade is on a mission to make over their classroom - Spanish-style! In order to get ready to do so, students had to study the Spanish classroom and the words for common, classroom objects. They were charged with doing an in-room scavenger hunt to figure out the definitions of twenty classroom items. Once all twenty labels were discovered, we were able to practice the pronunciation and location of the objects altogether with a fun, interactive activity. Next stop, a makeover for Mrs. Gordon’s room!

The third graders have been studying botany in Environmental Science. Botany on Your Plate is an investigative science unit that introduces plants through foods that we eat. The young botanists have been learning how to dissect fruits, flowers and vegetables safely, examine the inside structures and document their work with detailed botanical drawings in journals. In October, third graders investigated nasturtiums from the Unquowa garden. They carefully removed the petals so that they could count the number of stamens in their flower. Students were also challenged to identify the pistil and locate the nectar. Third graders eagerly removed the nectar with toothpicks so that they could sample the sugary liquid that attracts pollinators to flowers!

Third grade students put their alphabet knowledge to the test with several rounds of Spanish bingo. Winners of each round earned the privilege of not only selecting the style of bingo in Spanish, but also being named the official caller for the next round. In addition to practicing all of the letters in a practical context, students also utilized phrases to express their excitement and success as each  letter was called.

While studying animal homes, third graders experienced first hand how birds build their nests. Students spent time choosing appropriate nest building materials and then went to work! We discussed how some materials are more stable while other materials were easier to form a nest-shape with. Nests were sealed up with mud and allowed to dry. In a couple of days, these nests may be placed in a nearby tree to be discovered and used by our local birds. Students concluded that nests provide shelter for the birds and protect their fragile eggs.

Third grade students participate in PE class 5 days a week. They begin a new chapter in PE class as they learn to change into gym clothes for class. They learn to manage their belongings and time in this grade. They fully understand and embrace leading their peers through fitness warm-ups. After preparing their bodies for sports, they eagerly complete a quarter of a mile to one half mile run by the end of the semester.  They learn how to celebrate their personal best and take pride in charting their results for the age appropriate President’s Fitness Challenge. They are also able to participate on the grade level Unquowa JV Soccer Team.