Unit Plan 36 (Grade 3 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition
Apply Grade 3 math across OA, NBT, NF, MD, and G in multi-step tasks; choose efficient strategies, model with graphs/diagrams, and defend solutions with precise units, evidence, and reasoning.
Focus: Show what you know with integrated tasks blending OA, NBT, NF, MD, and G; students present and defend reasoning with clear models, units, and explanations.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Mathematics (Comprehensive Spiral)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This capstone week invites students to apply the year’s learning in authentic, multi-step problems that cut across operations & algebraic thinking (OA), number & base-ten (NBT), fractions (NF), measurement & data (MD), and geometry (G). Teams plan approaches, build representations, justify decisions, and exhibit their work.
Essential Questions
- How do I choose the most efficient strategy across multiple domains?
- What counts as evidence when defending a mathematical decision?
- How do representations (arrays, number lines, tables, graphs, diagrams) strengthen a clear argument?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Tackle multi-step, real-world problems requiring combined skills from 3.OA, 3.NBT, 3.NF, 3.MD, 3.G.
- Select and justify efficient strategies (e.g., equal groups/arrays vs. addition, rounding to plan vs. exact computation).
- Use representations (arrays, area tiles, open number lines, line plots, bar/picture graphs) to support claims.
- Communicate with precision: correct units, labels, and reasonableness checks.
- Present and defend solutions using mathematical language, responding to questions and counterexamples.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 3 (spiral across the unit)
- 3.OA: Represent/solve problems with multiplication & division; properties; strategies; two-step problems.
- 3.NBT: Place value and rounding; fluency with +/– within 1,000; multiply by multiples of 10.
- 3.NF: Fractions as numbers; simple equivalence and comparison on number lines/areas.
- 3.MD: Time/measurement problems; picture/bar graphs; line plots; area/perimeter.
- 3.G: Shapes and attributes; partition shapes into equal areas.
- Mathematical Practices (MP.1–MP.8) threaded throughout.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can plan a multi-step solution, show models, and explain why it works.
- I can choose strategies (arrays, number line, rounding) and keep units accurate.
- I can present my thinking and answer questions using math vocabulary and evidence.