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Gr 3_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_ShadingAWholeSquare

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

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

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

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_NBT_RoundingNearestHundred_ThinkPairShare_Conjecture

This task is designed for third graders to introduce rounding numbers to the nearest hundred. The task instructions include background knowledge on rounding to the nearest ten and argumentative language when asking the students to create a conjecture about how to round and how rounding to the nearest hundred compares to the nearest ten. Students are asked to practice the idea using a three-digit number.

Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_RoundingNearestHundred_ThinkPairShare_Conjecture

PDF version: 3_NBT_RoundingNearestHundred_ThinkPairShare_Conjecture

Gr 3_NBT_Rounding_ThinkPairShare_Construct

This task requires third grade students to find a halfway point between two numbers (30 and 40) and construct an argument explaining how he or she knows that their number is the halfway point. Students are also asked to engage in a think-pair-share in which they discuss the process with a partner. The task may lead to a good discussion about medians or about rounding and how to round to the nearest tenth when a number ends in a 5.

Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_Rounding_ThinkPairShare_Construct

PDF version: 3_NBT_Rounding_ThinkPairShare_Construct

Gr 3_MD_MeasurementVolume_Problem_Construct_BakingACake

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

Gr 3_MD_MeasurementPerimeter_Problem_Critique_ChangingTheArea

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

Gr 3_MD_MeasurementPerimeter_Problem_Construct_HowManyPerimeters

How Many Perimeters is an argumentative task designed for third graders that utilizes visual thinking, hands-on interaction, and divergent thinking, with modifications provided. Students are asked to use algebra tiles to determine if all shapes created with the same three tiles will have the same perimeter. Argumentative language, such as constructing a claim and providing evidence, are heavily used throughout the bulleted and multi-part task, and students are asked to work in teams and share their claims with the class.

Microsoft Word version: 3_MD_MeasurementPerimeter_Problem_Construct_HowManyPerimeters

PDF version: 3_MD_MeasurementPerimeter_Problem_Construct_HowManyPerimeters