St John the Baptist CE VA Primary School Year Three

In Year 3 Science, the children have been learning about classifying and sorting. They explored how scientists group things that are similar and different. The class used classification keys to help them identify objects and animals by asking simple yes or no questions.

To help them understand, the children took part in a fun activity where they sorted themselves using a classification key. They asked questions like “Do you have brown hair?” or “Are you wearing trainers?” to decide where they should stand. This helped them see how classification works in real life.

The children enjoyed being scientists and learned how careful questions can help us identify and group things correctly.

For World Book Day, Year 3 had a wonderful time celebrating their love of reading. The children made origami boats and decorated them with the cover of their favourite book. We added the boats to our special Reading River, which is filling up with lots of fantastic stories.

The class also created book characters using potatoes. The children used their creativity to turn potatoes into some of their favourite characters from books, adding costumes, faces and accessories.

It was a fun and creative day, and the children enjoyed sharing their favourite stories and celebrating the joy of reading together

Science Experiment: How Liquids Affect Teeth

This week, Year 3 carried out a science experiment to explore how different drinks can affect our teeth. As real teeth cannot be used, eggshells were used instead, as they are made from a similar material (calcium) to tooth enamel.

The children placed eggshells into different liquids, including water, orange juice, fizzy water, vinegar and cola, and observed them over time. They carefully recorded changes in colour, texture and strength.

What we found:
Vinegar and cola had the worst effects on the eggshells. The vinegar caused the shell to soften and weaken because it is very acidic. Cola also damaged the shell due to its acid content and sugars, which can wear away enamel. Water caused little or no change.

Conclusion:
This experiment helped the children understand why it is important to limit acidic and sugary drinks and to choose tooth-friendly drinks like water and milk to help keep our teeth strong and healthy.

In Year 3, we have been learning about shapes and angles in our maths lessons. We began by identifying and sorting shapes with right angles, acute angles and obtuse angles, and learning how to recognise different types of angles in a range of shapes. We compared and sorted shapes carefully and explained our thinking using the correct mathematical vocabulary.

We also used geoboards to explore shapes in a practical and hands-on way. Using elastic bands, we investigated straight lines and vertices, and practised drawing and naming different polygons. We explored how shapes change when lines or vertices are moved.

As part of our learning, we investigated whether the number of lines and vertices in shapes are equal. We counted carefully and made observations about different polygons.

Throughout our learning, we worked collaboratively, shared ideas and checked our work carefully. This has helped us to build confidence in recognising angles and understanding how shapes are made.

Our Year 3 children visited Willowthorpe Residential Home to spread some festive cheer. During the visit, the children gave out handmade Christmas cards, chatted with residents, and shared smiles and conversation. This special trip helped the children develop compassion, kindness, and respect, while learning about the importance of connecting with others in our community and bringing joy to the residents during the Christmas season.

In Science this term we are focusing on the question 'How are sounds made?'   This week we became sound explorers! We visited different sound stations around the room to listen carefully and make different noises.

At each station, we tried to identify how the sound was made — by hitting, blowing, plucking, or shaking. We also looked closely to see what was happening when the sound was made — some things vibrated, some moved fast, and some made echoes!

We learned that sounds can be loud or quiet, high or low, and that they always happen when something vibrates. It was so much fun discovering all the ways we can make and change sounds!

In Science this term we are focusing on the question 'How are sounds made?'   This week we became sound explorers! We visited different sound stations around the room to listen carefully and make different noises.

At each station, we tried to identify how the sound was made — by hitting, blowing, plucking, or shaking. We also looked closely to see what was happening when the sound was made — some things vibrated, some moved fast, and some made echoes!

We learned that sounds can be loud or quiet, high or low, and that they always happen when something vibrates. It was so much fun discovering all the ways we can make and change sounds!

In Science this term we are focusing on the question 'How are sounds made?'   This week we became sound explorers! We visited different sound stations around the room to listen carefully and make different noises.

At each station, we tried to identify how the sound was made — by hitting, blowing, plucking, or shaking. We also looked closely to see what was happening when the sound was made — some things vibrated, some moved fast, and some made echoes!

We learned that sounds can be loud or quiet, high or low, and that they always happen when something vibrates. It was so much fun discovering all the ways we can make and change sounds!

Year 3 have been using dienes to help partition, regroup and count in 1s, 10s and 100s.  They have been working very hard and enjoying their maths work.