US Curriculum · Grade 3 Science · IXL Framework

Grade 3 Science Lesson Plan & Curriculum Map

A flexible, full-year learning roadmap for Grade 3 Science, aligned to the USA IXL Framework. Week-by-week pacing for 1–3 days of instruction, with built-in concept reviews, lab activities and enrichment tasks.

4Quarters
48Weekly checkpoints
1-on-1Tutor support
Interactive curriculum browser

Grade 3 Science learning map

Choose a quarter, then compare a lighter weekly plan with a more intensive schedule.

1 day/week · steady pace2–3 days/week · guided practice
September · Materials & States of Matter & Phase Change

Grade 3 Science — Pacing Guide — September

USA Curriculum · IXL Framework
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week
September 1st week
(Science)
Materials & States of Matter & Phase Change 1: Identify properties of an objectMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 1: Identify properties of an objectMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 1: Identify properties of an object 2: Classify matter as solid, liquid, or gas
September 2nd week
(Science)
Materials & States of Matter & Phase Change 2: Classify matter as solid, liquid, or gasMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 2: Classify matter as solid, liquid, or gas 3: Change-of-state diagrams: solid, liquid, and gasMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 3: Change-of-state diagrams: solid, liquid, and gas 4: Compare properties of objects
September 3rd week
(Science)
Materials & States of Matter & Phase Change 3: Change-of-state diagrams: solid, liquid, and gasMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 4: Compare properties of objectsMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & Quiz
September 4th week
(Science)
Materials & States of Matter & Phase Change 4: Compare properties of objects 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & QuizMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & QuizMaterials & States of Matter & Phase Change Applied Practice Task
October · Heat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change

Grade 3 Science — Pacing Guide — October

USA Curriculum · IXL Framework
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week
October 1st week
(Science)
Heat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 1: Predict heat flowHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 1: Predict heat flowHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 1: Predict heat flow 2: Identify physical and chemical changes
October 2nd week
(Science)
Heat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 2: Identify physical and chemical changesHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 2: Identify physical and chemical changes 3: Predict temperature changesHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 3: Predict temperature changes 4: Compare physical and chemical changes
October 3rd week
(Science)
Heat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 3: Predict temperature changesHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 4: Compare physical and chemical changesHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & Quiz
October 4th week
(Science)
Heat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 4: Compare physical and chemical changes 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & QuizHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & QuizHeat and Thermal Energy & Physical and Chemical Change Applied Practice Task
November · Mixtures & Force and Motion

Grade 3 Science — Pacing Guide — November

USA Curriculum · IXL Framework
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week
November 1st week
(Science)
Mixtures & Force and Motion 1: Identify mixturesMixtures & Force and Motion 1: Identify mixturesMixtures & Force and Motion 1: Identify mixtures 2: Identify pushes and pulls
November 2nd week
(Science)
Mixtures & Force and Motion 2: Identify pushes and pullsMixtures & Force and Motion 2: Identify pushes and pulls 3: How do balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion?Mixtures & Force and Motion 3: How do balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion? 4: How do mass and force affect motion?
November 3rd week
(Science)
Mixtures & Force and Motion 3: How do balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion?Mixtures & Force and Motion 4: How do mass and force affect motion?Mixtures & Force and Motion 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & Quiz
November 4th week
(Science)
Mixtures & Force and Motion 4: How do mass and force affect motion? 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & QuizMixtures & Force and Motion 5: Concept Review 6: Lab Activity & QuizMixtures & Force and Motion Applied Practice Task
The learning framework

Anatomy of a focused lesson

Each session moves from a clear question to guided exploration and a check for understanding.

10 minutes

Wonder and question

Start with a real-world science question and connect it to what the student already knows from everyday life.

25 minutes

Explore together

Work through hands-on investigations, diagrams or reading with tutor guidance and student participation.

10 minutes

Check for mastery

Use a short practice task or quiz to identify what is secure and what should come next.

Student learning toolkit

Resources for Grade 3 Science

Concept lessons

Short explanations of key Grade 3 Science ideas, from matter and force to ecosystems and fossils.

Practice materials

Guided questions and independent practice matched to the weekly focus.

Lab activities

Hands-on investigations and applied tasks to make learning stick.

Progress notes

A clear record of strengths, next steps, and topics to revisit.

Free first lesson

Build a plan for Grade 3 Science

Tell us where the student is up to and we'll shape the first session around their goals, schoolwork, and preferred pace.

  • No credit card required
  • A one-to-one session with a subject tutor
  • A recommended next-step study plan