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Gr 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_ComparingFractions

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This task was used with third graders to develop fractional number sense. It emphasizes the relationship of the denominator to the size of a unit fraction. Students struggle with this fundamental understanding of fractions because it contradicts the relationship of whole numbers that they are familiar with (i.e. as the number in the denominator gets larger, the value of the unit fraction gets smaller). This task requires students to realize that the denominator signifies the number of equal parts in the whole. Consequently, the more equal parts there are in the whole, the smaller each fractional part becomes.

Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_ComparingFractions

PDF version: 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_ComparingFractions

Gr 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_DifferentIdeas

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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

Gr 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Construct_ChangingDenominators

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This task was used with fifth graders to develop fractional number sense. It emphasizes the relationship of the denominator to the size of a unit fraction. Students struggle with this fundamental understanding of fractions because it contradicts the relationship of whole numbers that they are familiar with (i.e. as the number in the denominator gets larger, the value of the unit fraction gets smaller). This task requires students to realize that the denominator signifies the number of equal parts in the whole. Consequently, the more equal parts there are in the whole, the smaller each part becomes.

Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Construct_ChangingDenominators

PDF version: 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Construct_ChangingDenominators

Gr 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_ShadingAWholeSquare

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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

Gr 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique

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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

Gr 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_AirplanesInTheToyshop

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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

Gr 3_NBT_RoundingNearestTen_Problem_Critique_MissBlue

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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

Gr 3_MD_MeasurementVolume_Problem_Construct_BakingACake

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This task is designed for third grade students to understand measurement in terms of volume. Students must decide if they have enough oil to bake a cake, construct an argument, and explain their thinking. Baking a Cake requires students to convert from ounces to cups and vice versa, and contains whole numbers and fractions.

Microsoft Word version: 3_MD_MeasurementVolume_Problem_Construct_BakingACake

PDF version: 3_MD_MeasurementVolume_Problem_Construct_BakingACake