Grade 3 Science | Student Workbook Unit 1

SCIENCE STUDENT PDF: Download the Science-only fillable workbook. Science lessons, observations and questions follow on this page. Record actual measurements honestly, and save the PDF in your own app. This is Unit 1, not a full annual Science course.

Lesson 1: Fair tests and plant growth

Science Lesson

Learn: An experiment compares outcomes while controlling other conditions. The changed factor is the independent variable, and the measured result is the dependent variable. An observation alone cannot prove cause.

Science Practice: 10 Assignments

1. Name a question about plant growth that could be measured.
2. Design two plant groups differing only in hours of light.
3. What should stay the same about their soil?
4. What should stay the same about their water?
5. What measurement would track plant growth?
6. Why might one plant be an unreliable sample?
7. Draw a data table with headings for date and height.
8. Explain why you must not invent experimental results.
9. Distinguish a prediction from an observation.
10. Advanced: identify one confounding variable and a plan to reduce it.

Observe and Explain

Separate observations from hypotheses and illustrations from measured results. Never invent experimental data. Use safe materials and adult guidance where needed.

Advanced Science Extension

Form a measurable question about this lesson, describe a fair comparison and identify at least one limitation. This challenge is available at any age when prerequisites are mastered.

Print and Navigate

Copy the lesson or print this webpage. Return to Grade 3 subjects.

Grade 3 | Five-Day Science Investigation Extension

This original five-day Science Unit 1 extension offers explicit lessons, practice, safe investigation and an independent check. It is not the complete 36-week subject textbook.

Day 1: Testable Questions and Variables

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A testable question names a factor changed and an outcome measured. For seedlings, ask whether hours of light affect height. Light duration is the independent variable and height is the dependent variable. Correlation alone does not prove causation.

• 1. Write a testable light-and-growth question.
• 2. Name the independent variable.
• 3. Name the dependent variable.
• 4. Name one factor to keep constant.

Record your reasoning and any real measurements with units. Never present hypothetical data as collected evidence.

Day 2: Plan a Fair Investigation

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Compare multiple seedlings of the same variety under two light schedules. Give similar soil, water, container size and temperature when practical. Use adult supervision and do not promise a result before collecting data.

• 1. Design two comparison groups.
• 2. Why use more than one plant per group?
• 3. What measurement should be repeated?
• 4. Why record dates?

Record your reasoning and any real measurements with units. Never present hypothetical data as collected evidence.

Day 3: Tables and Graphs

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A data table needs headings, units and actual records. A graph’s horizontal axis can show time, with height on the vertical axis. Fictional numbers used for graph practice must be identified as fictional.

• 1. Create columns for a height table.
• 2. A hypothetical plant rose from 3 cm to 7 cm. Increase?
• 3. Which axis should show time?
• 4. Can imaginary measurements be presented as real data?

Record your reasoning and any real measurements with units. Never present hypothetical data as collected evidence.

Day 4: Predictions and Conclusions

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A prediction is made before the observations, while a conclusion must be based on evidence collected. One unusually tall seedling does not prove the whole group grew faster.

• 1. Give a plausible prediction.
• 2. Describe an observation.
• 3. Can one plant establish a general rule?
• 4. Name one uncontrolled factor.

Record your reasoning and any real measurements with units. Never present hypothetical data as collected evidence.

Day 5: Independent Check

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Use the following scenario: two sets of identical seeds receive different hours of light. The same water and soil are used. The investigator measures height weekly.

• 1. What is manipulated?
• 2. What is measured?
• 3. Name a controlled condition.
• 4. What extra step would strengthen reliability?

Record your reasoning and any real measurements with units. Never present hypothetical data as collected evidence.

Cumulative Extension

Revisit two concepts using different examples. Write a new testable question, label variables and identify the evidence required before claiming a result.

Grade 3 Science Unit 1: Expanded Student Textbook

Read this original five-day science student textbook before completing the corresponding daily workbook PDFs. The teacher answer guide is separate. This text is Unit 1, not the complete year-long textbook.

Student Textbook Day 1: Testable Questions and Variables

Read and Understand

A testable question has an observable outcome. The changed variable and the measured result should be stated before testing.

Worked Example and Guided Practice

Design a paper-towel absorption question and name the quantity measured.

After reading, complete the Day 1 downloadable workbook questions independently.

Student Textbook Day 2: Plan a Fair Investigation

Read and Understand

A reproducible procedure lists materials, quantities, controlled conditions, steps and repeated trials.

Worked Example and Guided Practice

Write a numbered plan that uses the same towel type and water amount.

After reading, complete the Day 2 downloadable workbook questions independently.

Student Textbook Day 3: Tables and Graphs

Read and Understand

Tables organize values with units; graphs help communicate patterns. A bar chart needs consistent numerical intervals.

Worked Example and Guided Practice

Calculate the average of sample measurements 6, 8 and 7 milliliters as 7 milliliters.

After reading, complete the Day 3 downloadable workbook questions independently.

Student Textbook Day 4: Predictions and Conclusions

Read and Understand

A prediction is written before the investigation. A conclusion compares observations with that prediction while identifying limits.

Worked Example and Guided Practice

Write a claim supported by measured data, then name one uncertainty.

After reading, complete the Day 4 downloadable workbook questions independently.

Student Textbook Day 5: Independent Check

Read and Understand

Identify variables, fair conditions, units, graphs and conclusions in a new investigation. A graph alone does not prove cause.

Worked Example and Guided Practice

Explain how to improve a flawed test by keeping conditions more consistent.

After reading, complete the Day 5 downloadable workbook questions independently.

Unit Review

Review all five lessons with new examples. Record evidence and measurements accurately, distinguish observations from interpretations, and discuss errors with a teacher.