Tired of doing the same old thing in Math? Try a 3 Act Task with your students.
A Three-Act Task is a whole-group mathematics task consisting of three distinct parts: an engaging and perplexing Act One, an information and solution seeking Act Two, and a solution discussion and solution revealing Act Three. The concept was developed by Dan Meyer with the intent to get students thinking about math through realist situations.
We are now into Week 2 of homeschooling. I was trying to think of something new that parents/teachers could have their students work on….that was still enrichment. I thought that a 3 Act Task would be perfect.
Here is one that I created that can be used for 3rd grade through 5th grade.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gPUz06vpBCBgikZLMasBwMzqnQ04vkKR6jSzSwZJKS0
Show Act 1
Start off by asking, “What do you notice?” “What do you wonder?” Write down what your students say.
Examples of Notice:
I notice a flower bed.
It is rectangular.
I notice grass and dirt.
There are 3 bushes.
The window is a rectangle with a half circle above it.
Examples of Wonder:
I wonder if it is Springtime.
I wonder if they will put flowers in it.
I wonder what the area and perimeter of the flower bed is.
Show Act 2
(for 3rd – 5th)
What is the perimeter of the flower bed? (Notice the 4th picture.)
(for 4th – 5th)
What is the area of the flower bed?
(for 4th – 5th)
How many inches is 15 feet? How many inches is 10 feet? How many inches total?
(for 4th – 5th)
How many bags of topsoil? How much would it cost?
How many bags of mulch? How much would it cost?
Click the link below for the Top Soil Calculator.
Answers
Extension:
Have your students create their own 3 Act Task. They will need a camera for pictures or videos and access to some sort of technology to create their presentation.
Love Teach Instruct 