3rd Grade Science

By Vickie WelchTangipahoa F.I.R.S.T.

Curriculum Coach

Test Items from LA State Assessment Guideand Some Items Adapted from LA Practice and Mastery

GLE #1 Ask questions about objects and events in the environment (e.g., plants, rocks, storms).Tonya has made a worm farm. What question can she answer to learn more about how worms live?

A What do the worms do in the farm?B What color are the worms?C Who likes to watch the worms?D Do the worms like their new home?

GLE #2 Ask questions that can be answered by using observations, scientific knowledge, and testable scientific investigations.

A scientist is studying the rings of a fallen tree. What question can be answered by studying the tree rings? A How old is the tree? B How tall is the tree? C Who planted the tree? D Where was the tree planted?

GLE #3 Use observations to design and conduct simple investigations or experiments to answer testable questions.

A C

DB

Lynn is doing an investigation. Which set of rubber bands would be the best to use to answer her question: Does the thickness of a rubber band change the pitch of its sound?

GLE #4 Predict and anticipate possible outcomes.

Jack wants to know if plant food really makes a difference in the growth of a plant. He had two plants, Plant A and Plant B. Jack put plant food on Plant B. What will most likely happen after a couple of weeks?

A Plant A will grow twice as big as Plant B.B Plant A and Plant B will die.C Plant B will begin to grow a little larger and look healthier than Plant A.D There will be no change in the plants.

GLE #5 Use a variety of methods and materials and several trials to investigate ideas (observe, measure, accurately record data).

Race Car on Ramps

Trial Ramp Distance

1 1 14 cm

2 1 12 cm

3 1 13 cm

4 2 28 cm

5 2 11 cm

6 2 29 cm

J. T. released the same race car at the top of ramp 1 and ramp 2. He measured how far the race car traveled. He decides that he should repeat one of the trials. Which trial does he most likely want to repeat?

A trial 2B trial 3C trial 4D trial 5

GLE #6 Use the five senses to describe observations.

Li walked into a room. She said, “I can tell that someone has perfume.” What sense did Li most likely use to know that there was perfume?

A taste B sight C smell D hearing

GLE #7 Measure and record length, temperature, mass, volume, and area in both metric system and U.S. system units.

The thermometer shows a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. What temperature is about the same?

A 70 degrees CelsiusB 20 degrees CelsiusC -20 degrees CelsiusD 30 degrees Celsius

GLE #8 Select and use equipment and tools (e.g., magnifying lenses, microscopes, graduated cylinders) and units of measurement to observe and collect data.Mary is hiking through a national park. Which metric unit would be the best measurement for the distance that she walked.

A litersB centimetersC metersD kilometers

GLE #9 Show data in a variety of ways by making illustrations, graphs, charts, tables, concept maps, and oral and written explanations.

(Not Assessed)

GLE #10 Combine information, data, and knowledge from one or more of the science content areas to reach a conclusion or make a prediction.

The chart shows the time that the sun rises on different days in New Orleans. What would most likely be the time that the sun rises on October 1 in New Orleans?

A 5:10 A.M. B 5:35 A.M. C 5:55 A.M. D 6:20 A.M.

GLE #11 Use different ways to describe procedures and to express ideas about demonstrations or experiments (e.g., drawings, journals, reports, presentations, exhibitions, portfolios).

For a report on plant growth, Nick has observed that seedlings don’t just grow taller. Different types of plants take on different shapes as they grow. Which of the following would best help show this fact in his report?

A a new set of all the seedlingsB drawings showing the changes from seedling to full-grown plantC a journal describing how the plants changedD a data table of the plants’ heights

GLE #12 Identify and use appropriate safety procedures and equipment when conducting investigations (e.g., gloves, goggles, hair ties).

Which student needs to wear protective goggles the most?

GLE #13 Identify questions that need to be explained through further inquiry.

Tamaria is testing whether roots always grow down and leaves up. She plants a seed in a plastic container. After a month, she says, “Roots grown down and leaves grow up.” What question should Tamaria answer to prove her conclusion more fully?

A Will a plant grow the same way in a clay pot?B Will a second plant grow the same size?C What would happen if the cup lay on its side?D Has anyone else watered the plant?

GLE #14 Distinguish between what is known and what is unknown in scientific investigations.

Sand Soil Clay

John wants to see the amount of water that sand, soil, and clay will hold. He pours a half cup of water into each funnel which contains either sand, soil, or clay. Which of these is the unknown in this experiment?

A amount of water poured into each containerB material in each containerC total number of containersD amount of water that flows out of each container

GLE #15 Recognize that a variety of tools can be used to examine objects at different degrees of magnification (e.g., hand lens, microscope).

Kerri is studying cells that are much too small to see with her eyes alone. Which tool would be most helpful to Kerri?

GLE #16 Describe procedures and communicate data in a way that allows others to understand and repeat an investigation or experiment.

Temperature for Five DaysDate April 3 April 4 April 5 April 6 April 7

Temperature 64 F 66 F 56 F 42 F 57 F

Mara recorded the temperature for her city at the same time for five days. She wants to learn how the temperature at that time changes in a five-day period. What information is missing from her table that would most help others understand her results?

A the temperature on April 2 B the year of the study

C the time of the recordingsD the day of the week for each date

GLE #17 Explain and give examples of how scientific discoveries have affected society.

Which invention has been the most helpful in allowing people to communicate quickly with each other?

GLE #18 Compare and classify objects on properties determined through experimentation.

Kira is testing several materials to see whether they conduct electricity and float in water. Which material conducts electricity and floats in water? A material A B material B C material C D material D

GLE #19 Select the appropriate tools for measuring length, width, temperature, volume, and mass. Ralph has to measure the length of rug. Which tool would be best to use?

A

B C

D

graduated cylinder

thermometer

metric ruler

balance scale

GLE #20 Measure temperature by using Fahrenheit and Celsius thermometers and compare results.

(Not Assessed)

GLE #21 Compare common objects and identify the original material from which they are made (e.g., paper, pencil, comb).

paper door barn

Which material is used to make all of the objects?

A woodB metalC plasticD glass

GLE #22 Investigate and explain conditions under which matter changes physical states: heating, freezing, evaporating, condensing, boiling.

A scientist is studying a liquid. If she lowers the temperature of the liquid, which of the following will most likely occur? A The liquid will boil. B The liquid will melt. C The liquid will freeze. D The liquid will evaporate.

GLE #23 Demonstrate how force is a push or a pull by using students’ bodies, toy cars, or balls.

(Not Assessed)

GLE #24 Explain how the amount and direction of force exerted on an object (e.g., push, pull, friction, gravity) determine how much the object will move.

The diagram shows two people moving an object. Bob is pushing the object, and Carol is pulling it. Use the arrows to help you figure out which dot the object will move toward. A dot A B dot B C dot C D dot D

GLE #25 Observe and analyze motion and position of objects over time (e.g., shadows, apparent path of the Sun across the sky).

Tina was measuring the speed of a moving insect.•Picture 1 shows where the insect was when Tina started observing it.•Picture 2 shows where the insect was after 1 minute.

If the insect keeps moving at the same speed, which picture shows where it will most likely be after 1 more minute?

GLE #26 Explain the effect of different amounts of force on the motion of an object.

Kendal threw a football once. Then he threw it again with twice the force of his first throw. Which of the following will most likely happen to the football on the second throw?

A The football will travel half as far but twice as fast.B The football will not move at all.C The football will travel twice as far.D The football will travel four times the distance.

GLE #27 Use the words high/low to compare the pitch of sound and the words loud/soft to compare the volume (amplitude) of sound.

Which of these makes the loudest sound?

GLE #28 Describe the reflection/absorption properties of various colored objects.

Which statement best explains why a yellow lemon looks yellow?

A The lemon absorbs only red light.B The lemon reflects yellow light and absorbs the other colors.C The light that hits the lemon is only yellow light.D The surface of the lemon makes yellow light.

GLE #29 Determine which materials insulate best by using experimental data. Alex’s mom poured boiling water, 212 F, into the cups. Each cup had a thermometer taped to its outer surface. Which material Alex tested insulated the best?

Outer Surface Temperature of Cups

Material of Cup

Water F Outer Surface F

china 212 147

Metal 212 102

plastic 212 126

glass 212 179

A chinaB metalC plasticD glass

GLE #30 Demonstrate and explain the movement of electricity in closed and open circuits.

A

DB

CWhich bulb will most likely light up?

GLE #31 Compare and describe the common forms of energy and explain how they are used in everyday life (e.g., light, electricity, heat, mechanical). Tammy has a CD player, TV, and computer in her room. Which type of energy allows all of these things to work?

A light energyB mechanical energyC electrical energyD heat energy

GLE #32 Give examples of how energy can be used to move or lift objects.

Which of the following could a magnet move without touching it?

A B C D

GLE #33 Identify simple machines and the tasks they make possible.

When would a ramp be most useful?

GLE #34 Describe what the human body needs to grow and be healthy.

Which need of the body is the girl getting at this time?

A exerciseB foodC restD vitamins

GLE #35 Compare parts of the body in a variety of animals.

Look where the arrow is pointing on the whale. What part of a bird is most similar to this part of the whale?

GLE #36 Compare roots, leaves, stems, flowers, seeds and their functions in a variety of plants.

What part of the flower is most similar in use to the tree trunk?

A part A B part B C part C D part D

GLE #37 Describe how plant parts enable the plant to meet its basic needs. Which part of the potato plant absorbs the most water? A part A B part B C part C D part D

GLE #38 Classify groups of organisms based on common characteristics.

Which animal is most closely related to the animals in the pictures above?

GLE #39 Compare organisms from different groups (e.g., birds with mammals, terrestrial plants with aquatic plants). What does a bird have that no other kind of animal has?

A wingsB finsC feathersD long legs

GLE #40 Explain how the organs of the digestive system work.

Which part of the digestive system gets nutrients from food? A part A B part B C part C D part D

GLE #41 Describe how the parts of the skeletal system work.

Which body part belongs to the skeletal system?

GLE #42 Describe the relationship between eating habits and maintaining a healthy body.

Which statement tells the most important way that healthy eating leads to growth?

A Food gives the body work to do.B Food provides energy to your cells.C Food helps you sleep better.D Food gives the body work to do.

GLE #43 Identify a meal that includes representatives from each group of the food pyramid.

Which food needs to be added to make the lunch a more balanced meal?

A B C D

ChickenBread

GLE #44 Graph, analyze, and interpret personal and class data.

(Not Assessed)

GLE #45 Recognize and describe that rock is composed of different combinations of minerals.

Which object is composed mostly of minerals?

GLE #46 Describe earth processes that have affected physical features in students’ neighborhoods (e.g., rusting, weathering, erosion). Every time it rains, water runs off Mandy’s house onto the ground below. There is a large hole in the ground where the water hits each time. Which word names what is happening to the ground?

A weatheringB erosionC rustingD evaporation

GLE #47 Describe the difference between weather and climate.

Susan lives in a city where the days are usually very warm. However, yesterday was very cold. Which statement is true about the city yesterday? A The city had cold weather and climate. B The city had warm weather and climate. C The city had warm weather but a cold climate. D The city had cold weather but a warm climate.

GLE #48 Identify the parts of the water cycle (e.g., evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection of runoff).

Which statement is an example of precipitation? A Water from a river enters the ocean. B Water from a cloud falls to the ground. C Water in a puddle soaks into the ground. D Water in a cup is heated and enters the air.

GLE #49 Describe climate patterns from recorded weather conditions over a period of time.

Normal High Temperatures in F

February AugustAnchorage 21 66Honolulu 81 86

Indianapolis 36 88New Orleans 63 93

Savannah 61 94

Which city has the coolest average year-round climate?

A AnchorageB New OrleansC SavannahD Indianapolis

GLE #50 Compare and group common rocks according to their characteristics (i.e., igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary).

Ricky finds a rock that has tiny seashells in it. Which statement is most likely true about the rock? A The rock was formed in outer space. B The rock was formed in an ocean, lake, or river. C The rock was formed by a volcano that erupted. D The rock was formed by materials that were under heat and pressure.

GLE #51 Identify and compare the components found in soil.

Soil is made up of different ingredients. Which of the following is the main ingredient of all types of soil?

A dinosaur fossilsB groundwaterC broken rocks and mineralsD bits of plants

GLE #52 Identify characteristics of selected fossils and explain how fossil records are used to learn about the past.

A B C D

Which of the following could have made this fossil?

Fossil

GLE #53 Identify, in order, the planets of the solar system.

Venus is the second closest planet to the sun. What are the next three planets from the sun?

A Earth, Mars, JupiterB Uranus, Neptune, SaturnC Mars, Jupiter, SaturnD Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus

GLE #54 Describe the patterns of change in the position of the Sun.

Which direction does the sun seem to move in the sky?

A east to westB west to eastC north to southD south to north

GLE #55 Explain the results of the rotation and revolution of Earth (e.g., day and night, year).

How long does it take Earth to spin around on its axis one time? A a day B a week C a month D a year

GLE #56 Compare shadow direction and length at different times of day and year.

The pictures show a flagpole and its shadow at two different times during the day. Which statement is most likely true? A A occurred earlier in the day than B.B A occurred later in the day than B.C A occurred closer to noon than B.D A occurred closer to midnight than B.

GLE #57 Describe dependencies that living things have on their ecosystems.

Which of these living things depends most on good soil to grow?

GLE #58 Describe how humans have had negative and positive effects on organisms and their environments.

Which human activity most affects the environment? A rowing a boat B driving in a car C hiking on a trail D talking on the phone

GLE #59 Classify manufactured products according to the natural resources from which they are made (e.g., copper wire from copper ore, plastic from petroleum).Which object is made from material that comes from oil?

GLE #60 Explain how renewable and nonrenewable resources can be replenished or depleted.

Which energy source cannot be used up by humans? A oil B coal C natural gas D solar power

GLE #61 Explain how selected animals once classified as endangered have recovered.

How can humans best help an endangered species avoid extinction? A They can feed the animals. B They can put the animals in a zoo. C They can protect the animal’s habitat. D They can take the animal to new habitats.

GLE #62 Identify animals in Louisiana that have recovered and that are no longer considered endangered.

American alligators used to be an endangered species, but they are not endangered anymore. Which of the following is the best reason why there are more American alligators in Louisiana today than there were 50 years ago? A American alligators have learned to live in new places. B American alligators are bigger now than they were 50 years ago. C American alligators are now protected from hunting by humans. D American alligators have much more habitat than they did 50 years ago.