THREE- ACT TASK

FOR K-2 CLASSROOMS

 A NEW TAKE ON PROBLEM SOLVING

• Modeling with mathematics VS just making sense and

reaching an accurate solution

• Identifying mathematical problems in our world

 SUMMARY OF A THREE-ACT TASK
ACT 1- STUDENTS LEARN TO ASK MATHEMATICAL QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE REAL WORLD

• Share a compelling situation

• Image or video that depicts an interesting real-world situation
• Students discuss what they notice and wonder
• Teacher records student responses allowing for ALL students to
share (classroom community is intellectually and socially inclusive)
• Students decide on a mathematical question to answer from their
list of “wonders”
 SUMMARY OF A THREE-ACT TASK
ACT 2- LEARNING TO IDENTIFY INFORMATION NEEDED TO
ANSWER A MATHEMATICAL QUESTION

• Students consider what information they need

• Teacher anticipated possible need and provides some of the
requested information
• Students work to answer the question
• Teacher provides tools (ex. manipulatives, hundred charts)
• Teacher observes how students approach the problem and
what strategies are used (this will help with Act 3 discussion)
 SUMMARY OF A THREE-ACT TASK
ACT 3- LEARNING TO EXAMINE, CONNECT AND REVISE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS

• Teacher gathers students to share and discuss their

strategies and solutions
• Teacher may compare and connect students’ ideas OR
reveal the answer to help examine how their model fits
the situation
 LET’S TRY ONE OUT

What do you notice and wonder about

the following picture