2024-2025 School Year

3rd Grade Science GVL

Course Description

Science for 3rd-5th grade students is taught on a three-year rotation, using the Answers in Genesis series to cover a broad spectrum and prepare students for higher level science classes. Each year two categories are covered, one in the fall and one in the spring. See the 3rd-5th Science Rotation chart below to learn more about what will be covered each semester throughout the rotation. Each week the student will have science homework to be completed. Homework will vary depending on if your child is signed up for the one day or two day model.

See Homework table below for more information.

One Day Model:

Students will come on either Monday or Wednesday and attend science as one of their package of 4 classes. Core concepts will be taught on class day through a powerpoint presentation and note taking. Some experiments and hands-on activities will be done as time permits. Students will have 2 days of homework to complete, as well as an optional challenge assignment.

Homework will be due the following week.

Two Day Model:

Students will come both Monday and Wednesday and attend science as one of their package of 4 classes. Monday will be when most of the core concepts are taught and delivered through a powerpoint presentation and note taking. On Wednesday, students will be able to dive deeper into the topic they are studying and do more hands-on experiments or activities. Students will have 1 day of homework to complete, as well as up to two optional challenge assignments.

Homework will be due the following Monday.

To be successful in this class:

Listen and participate in class, complete assigned work on time, and follow instructions.

Grades: 3rd Grade

Fees: One Day Model: $450 for 3rd grade package of 4 classes

Two Day Model: $900 for 3rd grade package of 4 classes

Plus the following fees:
-$140 enrollment fee per child
-$70 security fee per family
-$10 per student portrait/ID fee

Prerequisites:

Must be 8 by September 1st

Sections Offered: 3rd- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model) 3rd- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model) 3rd- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model) 3rd- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)

Required Materials

Textbooks:

  • God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student- MB Edition) – One per family
    • Note: If you are buying new, please purchase the newest edition. If you already have the 4th edition of the older version, that is fine to use as well.
  • OptionalGod’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Teacher Guide- MB Edition)
    • The teacher guide books provide an introduction on how to teach the curriculum, a supply list and answer key for each lesson, a resource guide containing suggested books, videos, and field trips, etc. They also include student supplement worksheets and tests in an electronic form. If you choose to use the student assessments, UHC recommends you make sure your student reads the entire chapters of content (even if they are not all assigned by the UHC science teacher) in order to be adequately prepared for the science curriculum assessments. The UHC Science teachers will not be assigning any tests or quizzes as part of the regular weekly homework; however, tests may be assigned as a Challenge Assignment either by the teacher or the parent.

Other Materials:

Each class has a supply list of required materials parents must purchase and send to class with their student. Find supply lists here.

3rd-5th Grade Science Rotation

2024-2025

Fall Semester Spring Semester
God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student-MB Edition)

Discover God’s design for our unique planet. Learn about rocks, the Genesis Flood, and the Ice Age, as you study this special place for us to live.

God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student-MB Edition)

Study the atmosphere and oceans of Earth. You will discover what weather is, God’s design of the oceans, and how these oceans affect weather systems.

2025-2026

Fall Semester Spring Semester
God’s Design for Life (Student-MB Edition)

The human body is an incredibly complex and created wonder. Learn about the amazing functions of each system and understand that you are made in God’s image!

God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student-MB Edition)

Explore our solar system and the universe. Learn about the planets, Earth’s special design, information about stars and comets, and the space program.

2026-2027

Fall Semester Spring Semester
God’s Design for Life (Student-MB Edition)

Discover the Creator’s handiwork as you study the beauty and intricacy of seeds, leaves, and flowers. Explore trees, fungi, algae, unusual plants, moss, and more.

God’s Design for Life (Student-MB Edition)

Discover how each animal was designed by God to be unique, from cuddly mammals and slimy frogs to jellyfish, butterflies, and bacteria. Get ready for an exciting adventure!

Homework Table Examples:

The following tables are just examples meant to help you compare in class and homework assignments per model. The assignments listed below are a general representation and not from a specific teacher.

One Day Model: 

Concepts Day at UHC Day 1 HW Day 2 HW
The Circulatory System Powerpoint Presentation on the Circulatory System. Core concepts will be taught and students will take notes. Some experiments and/or demonstrations may be done. Watch a video about the Circulatory System. Complete the handout from class answering questions found in the video. Read Ch. 22 in your textbooks on Nutrition. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter.

Two Day Model:

Concepts Monday at UHC Day 1 HW Wednesday at UHC Day 2 HW
The Circulatory System Powerpoint Presentation on the Circulatory System. Core concepts will be taught and students will take notes. Some experiments and/or demonstrations may be done. Watch a video about the Circulatory System. Complete the handout from class answering questions found in the video. Students will break into groups of 4-5 for an Escape Room Challenge. Students will answer questions together about the Circulatory System to escape before time runs out! No Mandatory Homework, however up to 2 optional assignments will be listed if a student wishes to go deeper on the week’s topic.

 

3rd- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model)

Meet Rebekah Worley

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Mississippi College

Teaching experience: Upstate Homeschool Co-op and Classical Conversations in North Carolina

UHC courses taught:

  • Elementary Science
  • Biology
  • Legos
  • Botany

Began teaching at UHC in 2012

3rd- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model)

Meet Susan Jackson

Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education with minors in Science and Religion

Teaching experience: I taught First grade and Second grade from 2011-2013 at a public elementary school. In 2013, I served on the World Race and was able to teach English overseas in several countries. From 2013- 2015 I taught First grade at a public, charter arts integrated school. From 2015-2020 my husband and I were a part of a start up for a public charter school for home based learners in Oregon.

Homeschool experience: My husband and I were a part of a start up public, charter school for home based learners from 2015-2020. I have been home schooling my oldest son since 2022.

Courses taught: 3rd-5th Grade Science

Began Teaching at UHC in 2024

3rd- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)

Meet Courtney Stevens

Education: Liberty University (1995-1999) Elementary Education, English major, concentration in history

Homeschool experience: I’ve been homeschooling my 8 children since 2004.

Courses taught: K-4, Art, Science

Began Teaching at UHC in 2013

3rd- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)

Meet Brittany Trainer

Education: Elementary Education degree from Anderson University

Teaching Experience: 2021-2022 First Grade in Anderson County, 2022-2023 First Grade in Greenville County , 2023-2024 Math/Reading Interventionist in Greenville County

Homeschool Experience: I was a maternity sub for UHC in first grade at the Anderson Mill Location in September and October 2024.

Certifications:  I am certified Elementary Ed, CPR and AED certified, Apple Certified

UHC Courses Taught: 3rd-5th Science

Began teaching at UHC in 2024.