Grade 3: Mathematics

Here is the Mathematics curriculum for Grade 3 in British Columbia, presented with the content first.

Grade 3 Mathematics Content (BC Curriculum)

The learning standards for Grade 3 Math are organized into the following content areas.

1. Number: Computational Fluency

• Addition and Subtraction Facts: Recall and apply addition and subtraction facts to 20.

• Mental Math Strategies: Use mental math strategies for addition and subtraction with answers to 1000.

• Multiplication and Division Concepts: Develop and use models and strategies for multiplication and division, including:

  • Understanding multiplication as repeated addition and division as equal sharing or grouping.

  • Working with facts and related problems to 100 (e.g., 5 x 5, 25 ÷ 5).

• Fractions: Model, record, and name fractions as parts of a whole (including halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, tenths).

2. Number: Financial Literacy

• Financial Calculations: Count and make change using coins and bills up to $100.

• Financial Goal Estimation: Estimate and calculate the cost of simple transactions and the change required.

• Financial Goal: Create simple financial plans, such as a plan to save for a purchase.

3. Patterns and Relations

• Patterns: Describe, extend, and compare increasing and decreasing patterns.

• Variables and Equations:

  • Solve one-step addition and subtraction equations with an unknown number (e.g., 4 + *a* = 11, *b* – 3 = 7).

  • Represent an unknown number using a symbol.

4. Geometry and Measurement

• Time: Read and write time to the nearest minute using analog and digital clocks.

• Length, Mass, and Capacity: Estimate, measure, and record length (cm, m), mass (g, kg), and capacity (mL, L) using standard units.

• Perimeter: Measure and calculate the perimeter of regular shapes.

• Transformations: Create and interpret pictographs and bar graphs.

5. Statistics and Probability

• Data Analysis: Construct and interpret pictographs and bar graphs.

• Probability: Conduct probability experiments and describe the likelihood of possible outcomes using words such as:

  • Impossible, Possible, Certain

Curricular Competencies (The “Doing” of Mathematics)

These are the processes students use to engage with the mathematical content.

• Reasoning and Analyzing:

  • Use reasoning to explore and make connections.

  • Estimate reasonably.

  • Develop mental math strategies and abilities to make sense of quantities.

• Understanding and Solving:

  • Visualize to explore mathematical concepts.

  • Develop, construct, and apply mathematical understanding through play, inquiry, and problem solving.

  • Engage in problem-solving experiences that are connected to place, story, and cultural practices.

• Communicating and Representing:

  • Explain and justify mathematical ideas and decisions.

  • Communicate mathematical thinking in multiple ways.

  • Use mathematical vocabulary and language to contribute to mathematical discussions.

• Connecting and Reflecting:

  • Reflect on mathematical thinking.

  • Connect mathematical concepts to each other and to real-life situations.

  • Incorporate First Peoples worldviews and perspectives to make connections to math.

Big Ideas (The Core Concepts)

These are the key understandings students should retain from Grade 3 Math.

• Number: Fractions are a type of number that can represent quantities.

• Computational Fluency: Development of computational fluency and multiplicative thinking requires analysis of patterns and relations.

• Geometry: Linear measurements can be used to describe and compare objects.

• Data: Analyzing and interpreting experiments in data probability develops an understanding of chance.

Key Changes & Focus for Grade 3

• A major focus on achieving fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 20.

• Introduction to the foundational concepts of multiplication and division.

• First formal introduction of fractions as numbers.

• Working with larger numbers (up to 1000) in addition and subtraction.

• Moving from telling time to the hour/half-hour to telling time to the nearest minute.

• Introduction of perimeter and standard units of measurement.

• Beginning to solve for an unknown number in equations.