Big idea: thermal energy can be produced and transferred
Big idea: thermal energy can be produced and transferred.
The BC Science K–9 (redesigned curriculum) outcome for Grade 3 says: “Big idea: thermal energy can be produced and transferred.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson.
Winter Science: Ice, Snow and Staying Warm Grades 3–5
Why roads get salted, which mitten really works, how a seal stays warm in icy water, and why a mouse is cosier under the snow than on top of it. Four hands-on lessons on ice, heat and insulation.
- Which mitten keeps a hand warmest? 50–60 min
Teams wrap jars of warm water in wool, cotton, foil or nothing, and read a thermometer every 5 minutes to see which loses heat slowest. Then they explain what a mitten really does, and why it doesn't make any heat of its own.
- How do animals stay warm in winter? 50–60 min
Students put a hand into ice water inside a 'blubber glove' made of shortening between two zip bags, measure the difference with thermometers, and compare a lone cup of warm water with a huddle. Then they argue how blubber, fur, feathers and huddling help animals survive the cold.
- Can snow keep things warm? 60–75 min, including about 40 min outdoors
Teams build a 'den' for a jar of warm water, leave one on top of the snow and bury one underneath, and compare temperatures after 30 minutes. They also probe the snow with thermometers, then explain why voles, grouse and bears spend winter under the snow. A no-snow version uses a freezer and a snow stand-in.
More British Columbia Grade 3 science outcomes we teach
Every British Columbia Grade 3 science curriculum outcome we teach
Every unit matched to British Columbia's curriculum · All places and curricula
Three full lessons, free
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