Different Ideas is a task designed for third graders to understand how to compare two fractions with the same numerator but different denominators. Students must critique Penelope’s idea that the bigger fraction is the one with the bigger denominator. Argumentation language is used when reminding students to provide a claim, evidence, and warrants.
Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_DifferentIdeas
PDF version: 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_DifferentIdeas
Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_TraysOfBrownies
PDF version: 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_TraysOfBrownies
This task is used with third graders to develop fractional number sense along with visual and spacial awareness. Students must look at a square that is broken into different sized parts and determine if one fourth of the square is shaded. This requires students to understand what one fourth looks like. Students must understand that four fourths make a whole and be able to see this visually. The problem asks students to critique a student prediction by agreeing or disagreeing and creating an argument.
Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_ShadingAWholeSquare
PDF version: 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_ShadingAWholeSquare
This task is an application of double-digit subtraction. Students must critique student work that uses subtraction incorrectly. The student work highlights a common error in multi-digit subtraction in which students forget to borrow when subtracting a larger digit from a smaller digit. The task encourages partner share and uses argumentation language including claim and evidence.
Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique
PDF version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique
Airplanes in the Toyshop is a multi-digit subtraction problem used in a third-grade classroom to reinforce the use of the subtraction algorithm. Students are given a word problem about how many planes are left after a certain amount are sold and must critique a student response. Argumentation language is used when asking students to create a claim and provide evidence when critiquing the provided response.
Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_AirplanesInTheToyshop
PDF version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_AirplanesInTheToyshop
Miss Blue is a problem about rounding in which students are asked to critique the work of two students. Both students are asked to round to the nearest tenth; one student rounds down and the other rounds up. Students must decide with whom they agree and explain the choice.
Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_RoundingNearestTen_Problem_Critique_MissBlue
PDF version: 3_NBT_RoundingNearestTen_Problem_Critique_MissBlue
Changing the Area asks students to explore both area and perimeter using Base Ten Blocks. The task asks third grade students to arrange Base Ten Blocks in different ways to preserve area and change perimeter, then to preserve perimeter and change area. The task uses little argumentation language but asks students to explain reasoning and discoveries. Students are also asked to critique a student’s claim by agreeing or disagreeing and providing explanation.
Microsoft Word version: 3_MD_MeasurementPerimeter_Problem_Critique_ChangingTheArea
PDF version: 3_MD_MeasurementPerimeter_Problem_Critique_ChangingTheArea