3rd grade Instructional Guide

3rd Grade Science/Social Studies Integrated Unit (Place-based and Project-based)

End-of-Year Unit 5

PACING

KEY LANGUAGE USE(S)

Apr 27 - May 28, 2026

Explain: How Utah’s geographical features and climate influence ecosystems and how people, animals, and plants adapt to live in these environments, using content-specific vocabulary, visuals, and evidence from research in both oral and written formats.

This integrated project should be taught at the end of the school year during both the science and social studies blocks. It is a culminating, integrated science and social studies project.

KEY STANDARD(S)

Social Studies ​ 3.2.2: Describe how geography (physical features and natural resources) has shaped where and how communities developed and how they sustain themselves. 3.4.5: Examine how and why the chosen community has adapted to and/or modified its environment over time, identifying the consequences of these environmental changes. Science ​ 3.2: Understand the effects of traits on survival and how organisms are affected by their environment and changes within it. 3.1.2: Obtain and communicate information to describe climate patterns in different regions of the world. Language Arts Standard 3.SL.1: Participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations, using age-appropriate vocabulary, on topics, texts, and issues. Standard 3.SL.2: Speak clearly and audibly while asking and answering questions about a topic and key details presented in various media and formats.