Grade 3:
Magnetic Masterpieces!

MAGNETIC MASTERPIECES!

Grade 3: Magnetic Masterpieces!

Unit Description

In this “Magnetic Masterpieces!” unit, students will explore and discover the world of magnets through the arts. They will do hands on arts projects and make real world connections to gain in depth understanding of how magnets work. Students will use visual arts, theatre, and music to strengthen their science and art content knowledge.

Unit Essential Question

How do magnets interact with one another and other objects?

Real World Context

Students will explore magnets through the use of everyday objects. They will discover why certain objects are attracted to magnets, while others are not. They will also discover why the poles of magnets attract and repel each other. We will explore the world of Disney to see how they use magnets throughout the park every day. We will also look at how magnets are used in sorting materials at recycling centers.

Cross-Cutting Interdisciplinary Concepts

Compare and Contrast
Cause and Effect

Projects

Magnetic Discovery Painting
In this project, students will use their knowledge of previously taught magnetic properties to create a visual arts piece. Students will explore a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic materials to create a one-of-a-kind painting. During their painting, they will differentiate objects between magnetic and non-magnetic properties. Students will take time to document their observations and write about their magnetic discoveries.

Magnetic Slime
In this project, students will work in small groups to create magnetic slime. Each group will have different amount of iron filings in their mixture. Students will use magnets to explore the pull of the magnetic field on the magnetic slime based on the amount of iron filings in it. Students will use the visual arts to create this pliable sculpture made of magnetic slime!

Magnetic Drama
In this project, students will dramatize how magnets attract and repel. Students will create dialogue and use their actor voices and bodies to dramatize different magnetic poles, as well as common objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic.

The Magnet Rap
In this project, students will integrate their knowledge of magnets to create and perform a rap. Students will use music, rhythm, and verses to dramatize objects that do and don’t have magnetic pulls. They will do this using a sixteen measure, four-beats per measure composition to create their verses. Students will use actions, emotions, and voice to perform their rap.

Standards

Curriculum Standards

S3P2 Students will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects.

  1. Investigate to find common objects that are attracted to magnets.
  2. Investigate how magnets attract and repel each other.

CCSS.ELA.W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1.d Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.V.3.2.b Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

CCSS.ELA.Literacy.V.3.3.a Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feeling to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.

MGSE3.OA.3 Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. See Glossary: Multiplication and Division Within 100.

Arts Standards

VA3PR.1 Creates artworks based on personal experience and selected themes.

  1. Creates artworks emphasizing one or more elements of art (e.g., color, line, shape, form, texture).

VA3PR.2 Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art processes (drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media) using tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner to develop skills.

  1. Creates paintings with a variety of media (e.g., tempera, watercolor).

VA3PR.3 Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes of three-dimensional works of art (ceramics, sculpture, crafts, and mixed-media) using tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner to develop skills.

  1. Creates sculpture using a variety of methods (e.g., paper-mâché, cutting, folding, found objects).

TAES3.2 Developing scripts through improvisation and other theatrical methods.

  1. Develops characters and setting through action, sensory details, cause and effect relationships, and Dialogue.
  2. Creates scripts that are appropriate in purpose, expectations, and length for the audience.

TAES3.3 Acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining with roles within a variety of situations and environments.

  1. Communicates a character's actions, motives, emotions, and traits though voice, speech, and language.

M3GM.1 Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

  1. Sing melodies in the range of an octave using appropriate head voice accompanied and unaccompanied.

M3GM.2 Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

  1. Perform rhythmic patterns using body percussion as well as a variety of instruments with appropriate technique.

Character Education

Components

In “Magnetic Rap,” third grade classes will perform their rap for first grade classes. The reason for this pairing is because both grade levels learn about magnets. The first grade students will watch and critique the performance, ask questions, and give compliments.
Attributes

  • Respect to others
  • Collaboration with one another
  • Ensemble skills (working together)

Summative Assessment Tools

  • Pre/Post Test
  • Magnetic Discovery Rubric
  • Magnetic Slime Rubric
  • Magnetic Drama Rubric
  • Magnetic Rap Rubric

Partnering with Fine Arts Teachers

Music Teacher:

  • Enhance the creation of the rap and the percussive elements of the performance. The music teacher can encourage students to create a rhythm for the rap using percussion instruments.

Visual Arts Teacher:

  • “Magnetic Slime” and “Magnetic Discovery Painting” could both be conducted in the visual arts classroom. Visual Arts teachers may have suggestions on how to showcase the artwork created from “Magnetic Discovery Painting.”

Appendix (See Additional Resources)

  • Pre-test/Post-test

Credits

U.S. Department of Education
Arts in Education--Model Development and Dissemination Grants Program
Cherokee County (GA) School District and ArtsNow, Inc.
Ideas contributed and edited by:
Shannan Cagle, Liz Pendlington, Melissa Joy, Shannon Green, Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White, Susie Spear Purcell, Jessica Espinoza

Magnetic Discovery Painting

Science, English Language Arts, and Visual Arts

Description

In this project, students will use their knowledge of previously taught magnetic properties to create a visual arts piece. Students will explore a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic materials to create a one-of-a-kind painting. During their painting, they will differentiate objects between magnetic and non-magnetic properties. Students will take time to document their observations and write about their magnetic discoveries.

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • Make predictions about magnetism based on my knowledge of magnetic properties
  • Differentiate objects that are magnetic from those that are non-magnetic
  • Use visual arts to create a unique painting based on the properties of these objects (magnetic objects will be used to “paint” while non-magnetic objects will remain stationary).
  • Sort objects by their magnetic properties
  • Reflect on my findings and draw conclusions about magnets based on my project observations

Essential Questions

  • What common objects are attracted to magnets?
  • How do objects both magnetic and non-magnetic interact with magnets?

Curriculum Standards

S3P2 Students will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects.

  1. Investigate to find common objects that are attracted to magnets.

ELA.W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Arts Standards

VA3PR.1 Creates artworks based on personal experience and selected themes.

  1. Creates artworks emphasizing one or more elements of art (e.g., color, line, shape, form, texture).

VA3PR.2 Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art processes (drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media) using tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner to develop skills.

  1. Creates paintings with a variety of media (e.g., tempera, watercolor).

Content Vocabulary

  • Magnet
  • Characteristics
  • Iron
  • Steel
  • Attract
  • Magnetism
  • Bar magnet
  • North Pole
  • South Pole

Arts Vocabulary

  • Aesthetics: the term that refers to that which is beautiful and visually pleasing
  • Color: an element or art with three properties 1) hue, the name of the color, e.g. red, yellow, etc. 2) intensity or the purity and strength of the color such as brightness or dullness and 3) value, or the lightness or darkness of a color
  • Media: the tools and materials an artist uses

Technology Integration

Formative Assessment

  • Teacher will monitor students through anecdotal notes while they are creating their paintings and sorting their materials

Summative Assessment

  • Written student observations and reflections in Science Journal
  • Magnetic/Non-magnetic painting Rubric (See Downloads)

Materials

Thick cardstock, Tempera paint (primary colors), various sized paint brushes, chalk pastels, class sets of wand magnets, dozen cookie sheets (small)

Activating Strategy (5-10 min)

  • YouTube video: Kid-powered Magnetic Separating Recycling Conveyor Belt (57 seconds): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFvc0-cP0jw
  • Teacher demonstration with soda can and vegetable/soup can
  • Discuss: Why is one type of can magnetic while the other is not?

Main Activity

Part 1:

  • Teacher will lead a class discussion of what makes an object magnetic. Teacher will make a T-chart (magnetic, non-magnetic) and students will contribute ideas to fill it in. Students will make predictions as to which objects are magnetic and non-magnetic.

Part 2:

  • Students will create a T-chart and label one side magnetic and the other non-magnetic.
  • Student partner groups will each be given a paper bag containing: small piece of wood, penny, paper clip, eraser, dime, screw, thumb tack, nail.
  • Each group will be given two bowls, one to sort magnetic, one to sort non-magnetic.
  • Each group will be given one cookie sheet, two pieces of cardstock, two magnetic wands, tape to adhere the paper to the cookie sheet, and four colors of paint (one squeeze of each color on each paper).
  • Students will take turns choosing an item and seeing if they can paint with it. After both students have used the item, they will place it in the appropriate bowl.

Part 3:

  • Students will complete their T-chart based on their sorting of magnetic or non-magnetic objects.
  • Students will complete a written reflection evaluating why certain objects are magnetic or non-magnetic.
  • Compare the T-chart created as a class to those created by the students.

Classroom Tips:

  • Teacher will pre-select partner groups
  • Teacher will lay-out behavior expectations
  • Teacher will model how to set-up the cookie sheet, paper, paint, and magnets

Reflection Questions

  • How did creating a painting through the exploration of magnetic and non-magnetic materials help me identify some common objects that are attracted to magnets, as well as those that are not?

Differentiation

Accelerated:

  • These students could research how recycling is done in the real world using magnets to separate metal from other objects (like in the video). They could then compose a narrative story to portray the journey of a piece of metal or nonmetal object through the recycling process. Also, they could research other uses of magnets in the real world (such as store sensors on clothing for anti-theft).

Remedial/EL Students:

  • During the Reflection part of this project the following modifications could be made: place students in small groups, assist with Guided writing, provide sentence starters, provide graphic organizers, a word bank based on content vocabulary, a paragraph frame, or modify the length/writing assignment based on student needs.

Additional Resources

Books

  • What Makes a Magnet? by Franklyn M. Branley

Websites

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Magnet Painting Rubric

Credits

Magnetic Slime

Science, English Language Arts, and Music

Description

In this project, students will work in small groups to create magnetic slime. Each group will have different amount of iron filings in their mixture. Students will use magnets to explore the pull of the magnetic field on the magnetic slime based on the amount of iron filings in it. Students will use the visual arts to create this pliable sculpture made of magnetic slime!

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • I can explain the correlation between the amount of iron oxide and the magnetic pull of the magnet on the slime.
  • I can compare and contrast the viscosity of the slime (through writing) depending on the amount of iron oxide in each mixture.

Essential Questions

  • What common objects are attracted to magnets?
  • What are characteristics of objects that are attracted to magnets?
  • How does the viscosity of the slime change based on the amount of iron oxide in the mixture?

Curriculum Standards

S3P2 Students will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects.

  1. Investigate to find common objects that are attracted to magnets.

ELA.W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Arts Standards

MA:Cr2.1.3 Form, share, and test ideas, plans and models to prepare for media arts productions.

Content Vocabulary

  • Magnet
  • Characteristics
  • Iron
  • Horseshoe magnet
  • Magnetism
  • Attract
  • Strength
  • Viscosity
  • Compare & contrast

Arts Vocabulary

  • Media: the tools and materials an artist uses
  • Collaboration: two or more people working together in a joint intellectual effort
  • Dialogue: a conversation between two or more persons
  • Diction: using a “crisp and clear” actor voice that can be understood by everyone watching and listening

Technology Integration

  • Make a “How To” video of the magnetic slime process. The video will demonstrate the correlation between the amounts the iron oxide and the magnetic field of the slime.

Formative Assessment

  • Teacher observation with anecdotal notes regarding student participation and exploration during the slime experiment.

Summative Assessment

  • Students’ video demonstrating the correlation between the amounts the iron oxide and the magnetic field of the slime.
  • Students’ compare and contrast writing piece, discussing both the magnetic field as well as the viscosity of the slime.

Materials

Class sets of horseshoe magnets, class set of neodymium magnets, bags of iron filings, liquid starch, liquid white glue, paint stir sticks, smocks, 4 bowls per small group

Activating Strategy (5-10 min)

Main Activity

Part 1:

  • Teacher will list steps to create magnetic slime. Each group will make four different strengths of slime.
  • Teacher will explain the purpose of creating four strengths of slime.

Part 2:

  • Pour ¼ cup of liquid starch into each of your four bowls.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of iron powder to one bowl, two to the next, three to the next, and four to the last. Stir each until well mixed. (Each bowl should be labeled so students know how much iron filings they contain.)
  • Add ¼ cup of white liquid glue to each bowl and mix.
  • Take the slime out of each bowl and mix (separately) with your hands until it’s well mixed.
  • Pat the slime dry with a paper towel to get rid of any excess liquid. The finished slime won’t make your hands black, but the extra liquid will.

Part 3:

  • Students will use their magnets to explore the correlation between the amount of iron filings in the slime and the strength of the magnets pull.
  • Students will use their hands to explore the viscosity of the slime depending on the amount of iron fillings in each mixture.
  • Students will write a preliminary compare and contrast based on their findings.

Classroom Tips:

  • Teacher will pre-determine small groups that can work well together.
  • Students will wear smocks to protect clothing.
  • Teacher will set clear behavior expectations.

Reflection Questions

  • How did creating magnetic slime with different amounts of iron filings help me understand the correlation between the amount of iron filings in the slime and the strength of the magnets pull?

Differentiation

Accelerated:

  • These students could predict what effect different sizes of magnets would have on each oobleck sample. Students could also design a color coded ratings chart for the strength of the magnets based on ROYGBIV (red could be the strongest magnetic attraction and violet could be the least magnetic attraction).
  • These students could also make a table projecting what would happen if more filings were added, or if the slime had less filings in it. Students could use a similar ratings chart as above for the amount of filings in the substance.

Remedial/EL Students:

  • During the Reflection part of this project the following modifications could be made: place students in small groups, assist with Guided writing, provide sentence starters, provide graphic organizers, a word bank based on content vocabulary, a paragraph frame, or modify the length/writing assignment based on student needs.

Additional Resources

Books

  • Shivers in the Fridge by Fran Manushkin (fiction)
  • Magnet Magic by Phyllis Adams (fiction)
  • Marto’s Magnets by Wendy Pfeffer

Websites

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Written Reflection Sheet for Magnetic Slime
  • Rubric for Magnetic Slime

Credits

Magnetic Drama

Science, English Language Arts, and Theater

Description

In this project, students will dramatize how magnets attract and repel. Students will create dialogue and use their actor voices and bodies to dramatize different magnetic poles, as well as common objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic.

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • Describe why magnetic poles attract and repel
  • Dramatize magnetic poles using dialogue and movement
  • Apply drama to the classification of common objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic

Essential Questions

  • Why do magnets attract and repel each other?
  • How can drama be used to model the relationships between magnetic poles?

Curriculum Standards

S3P2 Students will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects.

  1. Investigate how magnets attract and repel each other.

ELA.W.3.1.D Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

ELA.V.3.2.B Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

ELA.V.3.3.A Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feeling to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.

Arts Standards

TAES3.2 Developing scripts through improvisation and other theatrical methods.

  1. Develops characters and setting through action, sensory details, cause and effect relationships, and dialogue.
  2. Creates scripts that are appropriate in purpose, expectations, and length for the audience.

TAES3.3 Acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining with roles within a variety of situations and environments.

  1. Communicates a character's actions, motives, emotions, and traits though voice, speech, and language.

Content Vocabulary

  • Poles
  • Attract
  • Repel
  • Magnetic
  • Non-magnetic
  • Opposite

Arts Vocabulary

  • Character: an actor or actress in a specified role
  • Collaboration: two or more people working together in a joint intellectual effort
  • Concentration: the ability of the actor/actress to be “in” character – that is, to be like the character s/her is portraying – in dialog, attitude, carriage, gait, etc.
  • Dialogue: a conversation between two or more persons
  • Diction: using a “crisp and Clear” actor voice that can be understood by everyone watching and listening
  • Facial Expression: using your face to show emotion
  • Gesture: an expressive movement of the body or limbs

Technology Integration

  • Computers or tablets could be used to type students’ scripts instead of writing them on an index cards

Formative Assessment

  • Accuracy of written dramatization
  • Collaboration of peers

Summative Assessment

  • Written script with beginning, middle, and end.
  • Magnetic Drama Rubric (See Downloads)
  • Completed Video

Materials

North and South magnet labels (affixed to the magnet characters shoulders. North on one shoulder, South on the other shoulder), pictures of other common objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic (paper clip, nail, safety pins, aluminum can, a plastic bottle), iPad for videoing or other video device

Activating Strategy (5-10 min)

  • Teacher will begin lesson by getting all students involved in the process of using their voice and body.
  • Teacher can begin with the E-clap technique. The teacher will say “E” using different levels of voice and speed, while the students clap at that level and speed. The teacher can then clap, and have the students say “E” to the volume level and speed of the clap.
  • Any other drama voice warm-up strategies would also be effective.

Main Activity

Part 1:

  • Teacher will use magnets to demonstrate how opposite poles attract and like poles repel.
  • Teacher will then demonstrate how to dramatize how opposite poles would attract, and like poles would repel using voice and body movements.
  • Teacher will also demonstrate how to dramatize how common objects are either magnetic or non-magnetic.

Part 2:

  • Teacher will review the information the students have learned about magnetic and non-magnetic objects.
  • Teacher will review the elements of a story telling drama using a simple beginning, middle, and end script.

Part 3:

  • Students will create and write a small group short dramatization about magnets and how the poles attract.
  • Students will include a beginning, middle, and end for their dramatization.
  • An example of this would be two north poles walk up to each other, and repel one another.
  • Students will use their voice and body to dramatize this action. They might begin with “Hey, why are you pushing me?” (beginning), “I’m not pushing you, you are pushing me.” (middle), “I know, we are like poles, and we are repelling each other.” (end).
  • The students will repeat this type of process with common objects in their group.
  • Groups will have at least 3 small scripts with beginning, middle, and end. One of them has to be about the poles repelling and attracting.
  • The others can be about being attracted or not attracted to the other magnetic and non-magnetic objects in the group.

Part 4:

  • Students will present their magnetic drama to the class. Other classroom students may provide constructive feedback on theatrical delivery (diction, facial expression, tone, volume, pitch, etc.) using theater vocabulary.

Classroom Tips:

  • Teacher will pre-select student groups
  • Teacher will constantly monitor the room, and work with groups as needed.

Reflection Questions

  • Explain how north and south poles attract and repel each other.
  • How did our drama production help me understand how north and south poles attract and repel each other?
  • How did our drama production help me understand how other common objects are attracted or not attracted to magnets?

Differentiation

Accelerated:

  • These students could compose a song using found/body sounds that goes with either repel or attract. When two objects/poles come “on stage” in the class, they would provide the song in the background to illustrate either repelling or attracting as the drama is performed on stage.
  • These students could also research to compare and contrast the earth’s north and south pole to the north and south (positive and negative) poles of a bar magnet.

Remedial/EL Students:

  • In Part 2 of this project, teachers could provide students with visual guides of what makes up magnetic/non-magnetic properties, and provide students with visual guides on story parts.
  • In Part 4 of this project, a Review of Theatrical Terms with students in small group would be beneficial.

Additional Resources

Books

  • Magnetic and Nonmagnetic by Angela Royston
  • Amazing Magnetism (Magic School Bus) by Rebecca Carmi

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Magnetic Drama Rubric
  • Magnetic Drama Written Reflection

Credits

The Magnetic Rap

Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts, and Music

Description

In this project, students will integrate their knowledge of magnets to create and perform a rap. Students will use music, rhythm, and verses to dramatize objects that do and don’t have magnetic pulls. They will do this using a sixteen measure, four-beats per measure composition to create their verses. Students will use actions, emotions, and voice to perform their rap.

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • Classify objects that are and are not magnetic
  • Create a sixteen-measure verse, with four beats per measure, that demonstrates my understanding of magnets
  • Perform my rap using actions, emotion, and voice

Essential Questions

  • What common objects are attracted to magnets?
  • What are characteristics of objects that are attracted to magnets?
  • How can music be used to dramatize the concept of magnetism?

Curriculum Standards

S3P2 Students will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects.

  1. Investigate to find common objects that are attracted to magnets.

ELA.W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

MGSE3.OA.3 Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. See Glossary: Multiplication and Division Within 100

Arts Standards

M3GM.1 Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

  1. Sing melodies in the range of an octave using appropriate head voice accompanied and unaccompanied.

M3GM.2 Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

  1. Perform rhythmic patterns using body percussion as well as a variety of instruments with appropriate technique.

Content Vocabulary

  • Magnet
  • Magnetic
  • Non-magnetic
  • Attract
  • Repel
  • Opposite
  • Poles
  • Metal
  • Non-Metal
  • Informational

Arts Vocabulary

  • Beat: the pulse underlying music
  • Measure: the space between two bar lines
  • Collaboration: two or more people working together in a joint intellectual effort
  • Diction: using a “crisp & clear” actor voice that can be understood by everyone watching and listening

Technology Integration

  • iPad: students will record their group performances on the iPad. Performances will be used as a summative assessment.

Formative Assessment

  • Student rap template – one 16-measure verse, with 4 beats per measure, about objects that are attracted to magnets, one 16-measure verse, with 4 beats per measure, about objects that are not attracted to magnets.

Summative Assessment

  • Recorded rap
  • Completed rap writing

Materials

iPad, garageband application, rap template, wooden pitch frogs, plastic egg shakers

Activating Strategy (5-10 min)

  • Teacher will sing and perform the chorus of The Magnet Rap using Garage Band app.
  • Teacher will distribute instruments and have the class perform the chorus.
  • Discuss: How will creating a rap help you remember what objects are and are not magnetic?

Main Activity

Part 1:

  • Teacher will show the chorus of the Magnet Rap on the promethean board. Teacher will demonstrate (sing) the 16-measure, 4-beats per measure verse. Teacher will model to students how to use the Magnet Rap Template to write their two verses. (One verse for magnetic objects, one verse for non-magnetic objects)
  • Teacher will also use the measure and beats of the rap to correlate the creation of the rap to multiplication and division skills.

Part 2:

  • Student groups will create two verses of The Magnet Rap. Students will use the template to create their verses. Teacher will circulate while groups are working and assist where needed.
  • Students will use instruments and/or body percussion to perform the rap.
  • Students will use 16 measures, with 4 beats per measure, to write and perform their rap.

Part 3:

  • Students will practice their rap to bring it to performance level
  • Student groups will perform their rap using instruments and/or body percussion.
  • Students will perform their rap using actions, emotions, and voice.

Classroom Tips:

  • Teacher will pre-select student groups that will work well together.
  • Teacher will pre-select areas for the groups to work together on their rap.
  • Teacher will discuss group work expectations using the Magnetic Rap rubric (See Downloads)

Reflection Questions

  • How did creating a rap help me remember common objects that are magnetic and non-magnetic?
  • How did using the 16-measure, 4-beats per measure pattern help my group write the rap?
  • What math skills were utilized to write the rap?
  • How did math help you write and perform the rap?

Differentiation

Accelerated:

  • These students could turn the rap into a music video with different sounds and video features.
  • They could also design an album cover, keeping in mind to use certain colors for magnetic objects (perhaps warm) and other colors for non-magnetic objects (perhaps cool).

Additional Resources

Books

  • Magnets: Pulling Together, Pushing Apart by N. Rosinsky

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Magnetic Rap Rubric
  • Magnetic Rap Written Reflection

Credits

Grade 3: Magnetic Masterpieces!

Additional Resources

Books

  • Magnets: Pulling Together, Pushing Apart by N. Rosinsky
  • Magnetic and Nonmagnetic by Angela Royston
  • Amazing Magnetism (Magic School Bus) by Rebecca Carmi
  • Shivers in the Fridge by Fran Manushkin (fiction)
  • Magnet Magic by Phyllis Adams (fiction)
  • Marto’s Magnets by Wendy Pfeffer
  • What Makes a Magnet? by Franklyn M. Branley

Websites

Grade 3:
Rock-N-Art

ROCK-N-ART

Grade 3: Rock-N-Art

Unit Description

In this arts integrated unit, students will explore Rocks and Soil. These projects focus on bringing multiple art forms to the Earth Sciences for third graders. Students will focus on comparing and contrasting the 3 types of rocks, as well as their attributes. They will create and perform a riddle in which the class will try to guess which rock the riddle represents. The students will analyze the rock cycle by composing small group dance compositions. Students will take a “Gallery Walk” viewing photographs of different types of soil in its natural setting and illustrate their own version of soil in its natural setting.

Unit Essential Question

How are rocks and soil formed and how do they change over time?

Real World Context

We study rocks and soil because they make up the surface of the Earth. Geologists study rocks and soil to discover things like Earth’s history through fossils, or how water, wind and ice shape the Earth’s surface.

Cross-Cutting Interdisciplinary Concepts

Cycle
Change

Projects

Project 1: Word Art & Rock Riddles
In this arts integrated project, students will use visual arts and theatre to apply their knowledge of rocks. Students will create a Word Art illustration focusing on one of the 3 types of rocks. Students will then create and perform a riddle and or monologue in which the class (audience) tries to guess which rock it represents. Students will compare and contrast the attributes/characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Project 2: Soil Study Artistic Renderings
This arts integrated project should be taught after the students are able to identify the four types of soil, compare and contrast the four types of soil, as well as classify soil based on its attributes. The students will be led through a “Gallery Walk” of photographs of plants and or animals living in specific types of soil. The students will draw/illustrate/paint a naturescape depicting something (plant or animal) that lives in a specific type of soil.

Project 3: The Rock Cycle Dance
In this arts integrated project, third grade students will analyze the rock cycle by composing small group dance compositions. Students will use the dance concepts: body shapes, non-locomotive and locomotive movements to depict how rocks change their form based on physical and chemical changes that naturally occur over time. Groups will observe their peers and evaluate the dance pieces based on their understanding of rocks.

Standards

Curriculum Standards

S3E1 Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils

S3CS8 Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry

ELAGSE3SL4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace

ELAGSE3SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly

Arts Standards

VA3AR.1 Discusses his or her artwork and the artwork of others

VA3C.2 Develops life skills through the study and production of art

VA3PR.2. Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art processes (drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media) using tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner to develop skills

  1. Creates drawings with a variety of media (e.g., pencils, crayons, pastel)

TAES3.3 Acting by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments

D3CR.2. Demonstrates an understanding of dance as a way to communicate meaning

  1. Uses a combination of improvisation and choreographic tools to create movement based on one’s own ideas, feelings, concepts, and kinesthetic awareness
  2. Recognizes and accurately describes movement and movement elements.
  3. Moves expressively to music or other accompaniment (e.g., sound, text)

Character Education

Components

Students have opportunities to become “experts” on the rock cycle and teach the cycle to their peers. In this process they teach the types of rocks and how over time they change.

Attributes

  • Solid as a “rock”
  • Integrity
  • Reliability
  • Patience
  • Perseverance

Summative Assessment Tools

  • Students will write an informational essay demonstrating their knowledge of the following: the 3 different types of rocks, their attributes, as well as how each type of rock is created. (See Downloads for the Informational Writing Rubric.)
  • Video recording of Rock Cycle Dances
  • Students could write about the process of creating the rock cycle dance as a reflection writing piece. They could also critique or evaluate their peers when they perform their dance compositions.

Partnering with Fine Arts Teachers

Visual Arts Teacher:

  • Additional support in Project 2: Soil Study Artistic Renderings
  • Assist with nature photography techniques and layout
  • Assist with styles and techniques for artistic renderings
  • Assist with providing ideas for different examples of nature photography or artistic renderings of rocks and soil and the plant/animal life they support

Dance Teacher:

  • Additional support in Project 3: The Rock Cycle Dance
  • Assist with dance terminology, locomotive movements, and creating cyclical choreography

Appendix (See Project Downloads)

  • Blank 3-Column Chart
  • Informational Writing Rubric
  • Examples of Nature Photography
  • Reflection Questions-Soil Study
  • Choreography Planning Document

Credits

U.S. Department of Education
Arts in Education--Model Development and Dissemination Grants Program
Cherokee County (GA) School District and ArtsNow, Inc.
Ideas contributed and edited by:
Diane McMullen, Edith Alexander, Liz Pendlington, Jessica Espinoza, Richard Benjamin Ph.D., Michele McClelland, Mary Ellen Johnson, Jane Gill

Word Art & Riddles

Science, English Language Arts, and Visual Arts

Description

In this arts integrated project, students will use visual arts and theatre to apply their knowledge of rocks. Students will create a Word Art illustration focusing on one of the 3 types of rocks. Students will then create and perform a riddle and or monologue in which the class (audience) tries to guess which rock it represents. Students will compare and contrast the attributes/characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • Identify the 3 types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
  • Classify the 3 types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
  • Perform and create a monologue/riddle describing the 3 types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
  • Compare and contrast the 3 types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic

Essential Questions

  • What are rocks?
  • How are the 3 types of rocks formed?
  • How are the 3 types of rocks alike and different?

Curriculum Standards

S3E1 Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils

S3CS8 Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry

ELAGSE3SL4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace

ELAGSE3SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly

Arts Standards

VA3AR.1 Discusses his or her artwork and the artwork of others

VA3C.2 Develops life skills through the study and production of art

Content Vocabulary

  • Rock
  • Igneous
  • Sedimentary
  • Metamorphic
  • Attributes/characteristics of rocks:
    1. Shape
    2. Color
    3. Texture
    4. Hardness

Arts Vocabulary

  • Illustration
  • Monologue
  • Character traits
  • Performance
  • Word Art

Formative Assessment

  • Students could be observed while performing their riddles to assess their knowledge of the 3 different types of rocks.

Summative Assessment

  • Students will write an informational essay demonstrating their knowledge of the following: the 3 different types of rocks, their attributes, as well as how each type of rock is created. (See Downloads for the Informational Writing Rubric.)

Materials

Chart paper; samples of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; Blank 3-Column Chart and Word Arts Examples (see Downloads); magnifiers; colored construction paper; markers; document camera

Activating Strategy (5-10 min)

  • Each table/group will be given 3 samples/examples of rocks
  • Using a Blank 3-Column Chart, the groups will discuss and fill in their chart writing down their observations

*Students should note the attributes in size, texture, color, hardness, softness, etc. They should be able to identify all 3 rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The students are also to explain how each rock is created in a different manner than the others. (See Downloads for the Blank 3-Column Chart.)

  • Each group shares their observations with the rest of the class. The teacher could compile the group observations into one large 3 column chart paper.

Main Activity

Part 1:

  • Each small group is asked to create a riddle for an assigned rock (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic).
  • Teacher demonstrates and shares an example of a rock riddle: I am smooth to the touch. I am round in size and gray in color. Where you may find me is in the river. What type of rock am I?

Part 2:

  • Each small group is asked to go to the front of the class and perform their riddle.
  • The class will then try to guess which type of rock is being demonstrated by the words given in the riddles along with any movement that may assist in better understanding.

Part 3:

  • Students will use a piece of colored construction paper or cardstock to write their riddles.
  • They will fold the sheet in half, write the riddle on the front cover, then write the answer under the flap.
  • Take the student-created riddles and showcase them somewhere specific in the classroom.
  • Create an interactive display where the students can go to read the riddles and then flip display open to view the riddle’s answer.

Part 4:

  • Students will be given a piece of thick art paper.
  • Students select one of the 3 types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic.
  • Direct students to use Word Art in order to express the type of rock they chose.
  • The students are to consider the type of chemical/physical change that takes place in order for nature to create the rock. As part of their Word Art, they should illustrate this change in a way that demonstrates the type of new rock that forms. This activity takes some imagination. The students may need to visually see the Word Art Examples (see Downloads) in order to fully understand the expectations of the project.

Reflective Strategies

  • Students will write an informational piece demonstrating their knowledge of the following: the 3 different types of rocks, their attributes, as well as how each type of rock is created.
  • The informational piece could be taken for a Summative writing or science grade.
  • Informational writing rubric (see Downloads)

Differentiation

Below Grade Level/EL Students:

  • Provide these students with photographs/pictures of the 3 types of rocks so they are able to refer back to the 3 different types of rocks and are using the correct terminology as much as possible while working on the project. These photographs/pictures could be of the 3 types of rocks in their natural settings so these learners are able to make better connections.

Above Grade Level:

  • Allow your higher-level learners as well as gifted students an extension research activity. Put these students in pairs. The small groups will be given a mineral. They are to identify the attributes of their mineral, where their mineral is found, and what the mineral is used for or it’s purpose. They are to write a short informational essay using the above information. Then they are to create a “Who Am I” riddle for their assigned mineral. They can then teach this new information to the below level learners as well as the EL students.

(Example of a “Who Am I” mineral riddle: I am yellow and soft. I smell really bad. I leave a yellow stain. I am a mineral. Who am I? Answer = sulfur)

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Informational Writing Rubric
  • 3-Column Blank Chart
  • Word Art Examples

Credits

Shapes All Around Us

Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts, and Visual Arts

Description

Students will identify shapes in visual arts pieces by various artists that feature cityscapes. Students will then explore shapes using their bodies to create tableaus. Finally, students will work in small groups to take their classified attributes and create a composition of a cityscape at night.

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • Identify the four types of soil visually and verbally
  • Explain how each type of soil is alike and different from one another
  • Classify soil based on the attributes I observe
  • Illustrate a specific type of soil along with a living thing that uses the soil for living

Essential Questions

  • How do scientists classify soil?
  • How do I distinguish between the four types of soil?

Curriculum Standards

S3E1 Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils

S3CS8 Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry

Arts Standards

VA3C.2 Develops life skills through the study and production of art

VA3PR.2. Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art processes (drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media) using tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner to develop skills

Content Vocabulary

  • Clay
  • Silt
  • Loam
  • Sand
  • Topsoil
  • Subsoil
  • Bedrock

Arts Vocabulary

  • Illustration
  • Color
  • Photography
  • Gallery Walk
  • Rendering

Formative Assessment

  • The students’ naturescape renderings could be used as an assessment tool to ensure the students are correctly identifying the specific soil they are depicting along with the correct corresponding living thing.

Summative Assessment

  • The students’ still naturescape could be used as an assessment tool to ensure the students are correctly identifying the specific soil they are depicting along with the correct corresponding living thing.

Materials

White paper, colored pencils, oil pastels, crayons, markers, pencils

Activating Strategy (5-10 min)

Explain what nature photography is:

  • Nature photography focuses on landscapes, wildlife and plant life as they are found in their natural environment. Photographs of nature provide glimpses of animals, forests or mountains that may not be seen in person. Many nature photographers try to educate people about the beauty of nature, often with the hope that more people will be inspired to help the environment. (Definition by www.ehow.com)

Then share examples of nature photography through a Gallery Walk:

  • Share Examples of Nature Photography (see Downloads) with the class through a Gallery Walk to inspire their Soil Study Artistic Renderings that they’ll create in the Main Activity.

Questions to ask students during Gallery Walk of images:

  • What do you see? (Making close observations.)
  • What do you notice? (Making sound inferences.)
  • What do you wonder? (What questions do you have for the photographer?)

Main Activity

  • Explain that today students will be creating their own nature scene with the concentration being on the type of soil (clay, silt, loam, or sand) they choose along with a living thing that lives in or around the soil.
  • Students will sketch out their soil nature scene first then add color using either colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, etc.
  • As the students complete their rendition, they will gather into small groups. They will each share their soil nature scene and ask the group if they are able to tell which type of soil they depicted. The students are to explain their reasonings with one another.
  • Display these soil scenes around the classroom and or hallway to elicit conversations regarding the four types of soil.

Reflective Strategies

After the teacher has completed the differentiation activities, the students will reflect on the following Reflection Questions (see Downloads) using complete sentences:

  • How did my illustration of soil help me to better understand the differences in the four types of soils?
  • Which type of soil did you think would hold water the best? Explain why. Which type of soil did not hold water the best? Why?

Differentiation

Below Grade Level:

  • Students could take their own photographs of soil scenes outside of the school setting and or on their school playground. They could then share their photos with the class having a discussion regarding the soil type and living things that may inhabit that particular type of soil.

Above Grade Level:

  • Students could look deeper into the concept of which types of soil holds the most water. Soil types that are able to hold more water may or may not be better to use for farming purposes. This group of students could research the concept of soils ability to hold water. They could then “teach” the other groups/students why knowing which types of soil are able to hold the most water is or is not important to the world around us.

EL Students:

  • As a part of the Above Grade Level soil/water research activity, this group of learners could actually do a hands-on experiment using the four types of soil. They could have 4 containers that each contain a specific type of soil, then add water to each to examine which soil holds water most efficiently. This information could then become a part of the soil/water activity.

Additional Resources

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Examples of Nature Photography
  • Reflection Questions-Soil Study

Credits

The Rock Cycle Dance

Science and Dance

Description

In this arts integrated project, third grade students will analyze the rock cycle by composing small group dance compositions. Students will use the dance concepts: body shapes, non-locomotive and locomotive movements to depict how rocks change their form based on physical and chemical changes that naturally occur over time. Groups will observe their peers and evaluate the dance pieces based on their understanding of rocks.

Learning Targets

“I Can…”

  • Use movement to represent the rock cycle
  • Identify how the changes in nature result in a new type of rock forming
  • Identify all of the steps in the rock cycle

Essential Questions

  • How can art media be classified to then create a composition?

Curriculum Standards

S3E1 Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils

Arts Standards

D3CR.2. Demonstrates an understanding of dance as a way to communicate meaning

  1. Uses a combination of improvisation and choreographic tools to create movement based on one’s own ideas, feelings, concepts, and kinesthetic awareness
  2. Recognizes and accurately describes movement and movement elements.
  3. Moves expressively to music or other accompaniment (e.g., sound, text)

Content Vocabulary

  • Sedimentary rocks
  • Metamorphic rocks
  • Magma
  • Igneous rocks
  • Weathering
  • Sediments

Arts Vocabulary

  • Body shapes
  • Body levels
  • Locomotive movement
  • Choreography

Technology Integration

  • A video camera could be used to record each group's performance, allowing for deeper reflection for students by being able to go back and review the recorded performances.

Formative Assessment

  • Class discussion, group discussions, reflection questions, anecdotal notes when observing students working in small groups, class reflection/discussion, dances created, and the “Road Maps”.

Summative Assessment

  • Students could write about the process of creating the rock cycle dance as a reflection writing piece.
  • They could also critique or evaluate their peers when they performed their dance compositions.

Materials

Video camera, chart paper

Activating Strategy

  • As a whole group/class review the rock cycle together by analyzing a diagram.

Suggested images of diagrams:

Dance Warm-Up

  • Students will move freely through the space of the classroom while teacher plays instrumental music.
  • When the music stops they are to make a body shape.
  • Students will explore creating high, mid, and low body shapes.
  • Students will create a class list of examples of locomotive movement. (ie. zig-zag, skip, slither, jump)
  • As the teacher calls out a few of the locomotive movements from the created list, the students will move freely through the the space demonstrating the assigned movements.

Main Activity

Part 1: Expectations:

  • Place students in small groups and go over the expectations for the dance composition they will create together today.
  • Stress that each group must have 3 group body shapes that depict the 3 types of rocks and 3 locomotive movements that depict the chemical/ physical changes that occur during the rock cycle that transform the rock into the next type. (ie. weathering, heat & pressure)
  • Go over the Choreography Planning Document (see Downloads)

Part 2: Small Group Planning:

  • You may need to scaffold the planning of their dances by first having them create 3 body shapes for their 3 different rocks.
  • Then have them create the locomotive movements that moves them into each new rock.

Part 3: Sharing their Dances:

  • Allow time for the small groups to create their “dance”.
  • Groups will perform their dance pieces for the class.
  • The students in the audience will observe and determine which body shapes represented which types of rock and also will look for the locomotive movements that represent the changes in nature.

Reflective Questions

  • How did you know which body shape represented which rock?
  • Did the movement choices that the group selected accurately depict the rock cycle?
  • Are there any changes we might suggest these dancers make to their choreography to more effectively show the rock cycle?

Optional Resources

  • The Rock Cycle By Base 12 Innovations, Open iTunes to buy and download apps. Free Category: Education Updated: Apr 03, 2013 Version: 1.3 Size: 28.0 MB Language: English Seller: Sivaraman Sivaswami © 2011 Base 12 Innovations
  • Rock Cycle - BrainPOP

Appendix (See Downloads)

  • Choreography Planning Document

Credits

Grade 3: Rock-N-Art

Additional Resources

Coming Soon!