What Do You Think is for third graders to understand the concept of fraction equivalence. Students are given a square divided into sections, with some of them shaded, and two responses as to the amount of squares shaded. Argumentation language is used when asking students to critique the given responses and explain their own thinking.
Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_FractionsEquivalence_Problem_Critique_WhatDoYouThink
PDF version: 3_NF_FractionsEquivalence_Problem_Critique_WhatDoYouThink
Microsoft Word version: 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_PartsOfACake
PDF version: 3_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_PartsOfACake
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
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 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
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