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Browse by Grade: Year 3

Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions

Year 3 Mathematics

This course deepens students mathematical fluency by moving from concrete manipulation to abstract reasoning. It emphasizes the connection between additive and multiplicative thinking while exploring the spatial properties of the world.

4 units·45 topics·Ages 8-9

01The Power of Place Value

10 topics·Term 1

Developing a robust understanding of the base ten system and how numbers up to 10,000 can be partitioned and rearranged.

Representing 4-Digit Numbers

Investigating how four digit numbers can be represented in multiple ways using non standard partitioning and concrete materials.

Think-Pair-ShareStations RotationExperiential Learning
Estimating on Number Lines

Using benchmark numbers to locate and estimate the position of values on scaled and unscaled lines, focusing on numbers up to 10,000.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingConcept MappingGallery Walk
Patterns in the Number System

Identifying and describing sequences that increase or decrease by powers of ten, and other simple additive patterns.

Carousel BrainstormStations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Rounding to the Nearest 10 and 100

Learning to round whole numbers to the nearest ten and hundred to simplify calculations and estimations, using number lines.

Think-Pair-ShareProblem-Based LearningSimulation Game
Comparing and Ordering Numbers

Using place value understanding to compare and order numbers up to 10,000, using symbols <, >, =.

Stations RotationCollaborative Problem-SolvingGive One, Get One
Introduction to Roman Numerals

Exploring the basic symbols and rules of Roman numerals up to 100, and comparing to base-ten.

JigsawConcept MappingTrading Cards
Ordinal Numbers and Position

Understanding and using ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) to describe position in sequences and arrays.

Experiential LearningRole PlayThink-Pair-Share
Number Facts and Mental Recall

Practicing and recalling basic addition and subtraction facts to build mental fluency.

Stations RotationPeer TeachingRound Robin
Flexible Addition Strategies

Using jump, split, and compensation strategies to solve addition problems mentally with multi-digit numbers.

Think-Pair-SharePeer TeachingCollaborative Problem-Solving
Inverse Operations

Exploring the relationship between addition and subtraction to check accuracy and solve for unknowns in simple equations.

Problem-Based LearningConcept MappingChalk Talk

02Additive Thinking and Mental Strategies

10 topics·Term 2

Moving beyond counting on to flexible mental strategies for addition and subtraction of multi digit numbers.

Mental Subtraction Strategies

Applying mental strategies like counting back, compensation, and bridging to subtract multi-digit numbers.

Stations RotationCollaborative Problem-SolvingFlipped Classroom
Problem Solving with Addition & Subtraction

Solving one- and two-step word problems involving addition and subtraction, identifying key information.

Problem-Based LearningRAFT WritingInquiry Circle
Introduction to Multiplication: Equal Groups

Understanding multiplication as repeated addition and forming equal groups using concrete objects.

Experiential LearningStations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Arrays and Area Models

Visualizing multiplication through row and column structures to build conceptual understanding and link to area.

Gallery WalkStations RotationCollaborative Problem-Solving
Sharing and Grouping (Division Concepts)

Distinguishing between partition (sharing) and quotation (grouping) division contexts using concrete examples.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingRole PlayProblem-Based Learning
Multiplication Facts (2, 5, 10)

Developing fluency with multiplication facts for 2, 5, and 10 using various strategies like skip counting and patterns.

Stations RotationPeer TeachingTrading Cards
Multiplication Facts (3, 4)

Building understanding and recall of multiplication facts for 3 and 4, exploring strategies like doubling.

Think-Pair-ShareTrading CardsJigsaw
Multiplication Facts (6, 8)

Mastering multiplication facts for 6 and 8, exploring strategies like doubling and using known facts.

JigsawRound RobinStations Rotation
Multiplication Facts (7, 9)

Developing strategies for the more challenging multiplication facts of 7 and 9, including finger tricks.

Stations RotationExpert PanelPeer Teaching
Problem Solving with Multiplication & Division

Applying multiplication and division skills to solve real-world problems, including those with remainders.

Problem-Based LearningCase Study AnalysisDecision Matrix

03Parts of a Whole: Fractions

10 topics·Term 3

Introducing unit fractions and their relationship to the whole in continuous and discrete contexts.

Representing Unit Fractions

Identifying halves, quarters, eighths, thirds, and fifths of shapes and collections using concrete materials.

Stations RotationGallery WalkExperiential Learning
Fractions on a Number Line

Locating and ordering unit fractions between zero and one on a number line, understanding their relative size.

Think-Pair-ShareConcept MappingCollaborative Problem-Solving
Equivalent Fractions (Halves, Quarters, Eighths)

Exploring and identifying equivalent fractions, focusing on halves, quarters, and eighths using visual models.

JigsawExperiential LearningGallery Walk
Comparing Unit Fractions

Comparing and ordering unit fractions with different denominators using visual aids and reasoning.

Philosophical ChairsHuman BarometerThink-Pair-Share
Metric Length and Perimeter

Measuring lengths using centimeters and meters and calculating the boundary of 2D shapes using standard units.

Experiential LearningCollaborative Problem-SolvingStations Rotation
Telling Time to the Minute

Reading analog and digital clocks to the minute and understanding the relationship between hours and minutes.

Problem-Based LearningEscape RoomSimulation Game
Calculating Elapsed Time

Calculating durations of events in minutes and hours, using timelines and number lines.

Problem-Based LearningTimeline ChallengeCollaborative Problem-Solving
Mass and Capacity

Measuring and comparing the mass of objects in grams and kilograms, and capacity in milliliters and liters.

Experiential LearningStations RotationInquiry Circle
Area of Rectangles (Informal Units)

Introducing the concept of area as the amount of surface covered, using informal units and square centimeters.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingGallery WalkExperiential Learning
Money: Australian Currency

Recognizing and ordering Australian coins and notes, and calculating change for simple transactions.

Role PlaySimulation GameProblem-Based Learning

04Data and Chance in Action

15 topics·Term 4

Collecting, representing, and interpreting data while exploring the likelihood of everyday events.

Temperature and Thermometers

Reading and interpreting temperatures using Celsius, and understanding its relevance in daily life.

Experiential LearningInquiry CircleConcept Mapping
Data Collection and Representation

Creating and interpreting category led displays such as column graphs and pictographs from collected data.

Case Study AnalysisDecision MatrixProject-Based Learning
The Language of Chance

Using mathematical vocabulary to describe the probability of outcomes in games and nature (e.g., likely, unlikely).

Decision MatrixInquiry CircleThink-Pair-Share
Interpreting Data Displays

Drawing conclusions and making inferences from various data representations, including simple tables and graphs.

Gallery WalkWorld CaféCollaborative Problem-Solving
Conducting Simple Chance Experiments

Performing simple chance experiments (e.g., coin flips, dice rolls) and recording the outcomes.

Experiential LearningCollaborative Problem-SolvingStations Rotation
Properties of 2D Shapes

Identifying and describing the features of common 2D shapes, including sides, vertices, and angles.

Stations RotationConcept MappingGallery Walk
Properties of 3D Objects

Recognizing and describing the faces, edges, and vertices of common 3D objects (e.g., cubes, prisms, pyramids).

Experiential LearningGallery WalkProject-Based Learning
Symmetry in Shapes

Identifying lines of symmetry in 2D shapes and creating symmetrical patterns and designs.

Project-Based LearningChalk TalkExperiential Learning
Flips, Slides, and Turns (Transformations)

Exploring translations (slides), reflections (flips), and rotations (turns) of shapes on a grid.

Stations RotationSimulation GameCollaborative Problem-Solving
Grids and Coordinates

Using simple grid references and coordinates to describe position and movement on maps and grids.

Escape RoomProblem-Based LearningRole Play
Repeating Patterns

Identifying the core of a repeating pattern (e.g., ABAB, ABCABC) and extending it using various elements.

Carousel BrainstormStations RotationExperiential Learning
Growing Patterns

Describing the rule for a growing pattern (e.g., add 2 each time) and predicting subsequent terms.

Think-Pair-ShareCollaborative Problem-SolvingConcept Mapping
Number Patterns and Rules

Investigating patterns in number sequences, including those involving addition and subtraction, and identifying the rule.

Inquiry CircleConcept MappingProblem-Based Learning
Input-Output Machines (Function Machines)

Exploring simple function machines with one operation (addition or subtraction) to find rules and predict outputs.

Simulation GameProblem-Based LearningThink-Pair-Share
Balancing Equations

Understanding the concept of equality and solving simple equations with unknowns using concrete materials and inverse operations.

Experiential LearningThink-Pair-ShareCollaborative Problem-Solving