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- Mathematics: Grade 3
Nebraska - Mathematics: Grade 3
College and Career Ready Standards | Adopted: 2022
3.N: Number: Students will solve problems and reason with number concepts using multiple representations, make connections within math and across disciplines, and communicate their ideas.
3.N.1: Numeric Relationships: Students will demonstrate and represent multi-digit numbers using place value understanding.
3.N.1.a: Read, write, and demonstrate multiple equivalent representations for numbers up to 10,000 using objects or visual representations including standard form and expanded form.
Modeling Whole Numbers and Decimals (Base-10 Blocks)
Model numbers with base-10 blocks. Drag flats, rods, and individual cubes onto a mat to model a number. Blocks can be exchanged from one area of the mat to the other. Four sets of blocks are available to model a variety of whole numbers and decimals. 5 Minute Preview
Cannonball Clowns (Number Line Estimation)
Launch clowns from a circus cannon and try to hit the target. Drag digit cards on the control panel to set the launch distance and choose an appropriate unit of distance. After practicing your clown-launching skills on a number line, move on to the Big Top, Football Field, School Buses, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more! 5 Minute Preview
Whole Numbers with Base-10 Blocks
Use base-10 blocks to model, add, and subtract whole numbers. Learn about place value using flats (hundreds), rods (tens), and cubes (ones). Group or ungroup blocks as needed to add or subtract. This regrouping is often called "carrying" when adding, and "borrowing" when subtracting. 5 Minute Preview
3.N.2: Fractions: Students will develop understanding of fractions as numbers.
3.N.2.a: Partition two-dimensional figures into equal areas and express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.
Fraction Artist 1 (Area Models of Fractions)
Develop understanding of fractions by making modern paintings. Find different ways to divide a canvas into equal-sized sections. Make paintings to represent simple fractions and to find fractions that are equivalent to one-half. 5 Minute Preview
3.N.2.b: Find parts of a whole using visual fraction models.
Fraction Artist 2 (Area Models of Fractions)
Extend understanding of fractions by making modern paintings in the style of Piet Mondrian. Create and analyze paintings with different-sized sections. Compare the sizes of unit fractions. Find creative ways to color one-half of a painting. This can be a nice introduction to adding fractions with unlike denominators. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling Fractions (Area Models)
Model and compare fractions using area models. Set the denominators with the arrow buttons, and then set the numerators with the arrow buttons or by clicking in the models. Compare fractions visually, on a number line, or numerically using the least common denominator. 5 Minute Preview
Fraction Artist 1 (Area Models of Fractions)
Develop understanding of fractions by making modern paintings. Find different ways to divide a canvas into equal-sized sections. Make paintings to represent simple fractions and to find fractions that are equivalent to one-half. 5 Minute Preview
3.N.2.c: Represent and understand a fraction as a number on a number line.
Fraction Garden (Comparing Fractions)
Plant flowers in two gardens to help develop fraction sense. The two gardens act as number lines, from 0 to 1. Use the flowers in the gardens to compare fractions and to explore equivalent fractions. Chalk marks can be drawn to divide the garden into equal sections. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling Fractions (Area Models)
Model and compare fractions using area models. Set the denominators with the arrow buttons, and then set the numerators with the arrow buttons or by clicking in the models. Compare fractions visually, on a number line, or numerically using the least common denominator. 5 Minute Preview
3.N.2.d: Show and identify equivalent fractions using visual representations including pictures, manipulatives, and number lines.
Fraction Artist 2 (Area Models of Fractions)
Extend understanding of fractions by making modern paintings in the style of Piet Mondrian. Create and analyze paintings with different-sized sections. Compare the sizes of unit fractions. Find creative ways to color one-half of a painting. This can be a nice introduction to adding fractions with unlike denominators. 5 Minute Preview
Fraction Garden (Comparing Fractions)
Plant flowers in two gardens to help develop fraction sense. The two gardens act as number lines, from 0 to 1. Use the flowers in the gardens to compare fractions and to explore equivalent fractions. Chalk marks can be drawn to divide the garden into equal sections. 5 Minute Preview
Toy Factory (Set Models of Fractions)
Create a set of stuffed animals: monkeys, giraffes, and rabbits. Toys can be painted red, green, or blue. Describe the makeup of the set (animals or colors) with fractions. Arrange the toys into groups to simplify the fractions. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling Fractions (Area Models)
Model and compare fractions using area models. Set the denominators with the arrow buttons, and then set the numerators with the arrow buttons or by clicking in the models. Compare fractions visually, on a number line, or numerically using the least common denominator. 5 Minute Preview
Equivalent Fractions (Fraction Tiles)
Explore fractions using the Fractionator, the machine that makes fraction tiles. Compare fractions and find equivalent fractions by arranging the tiles on two horizontal rows. Explore simplifying fractions. Add fractions and express sums as improper fractions or mixed numbers. 5 Minute Preview
Fraction Artist 1 (Area Models of Fractions)
Develop understanding of fractions by making modern paintings. Find different ways to divide a canvas into equal-sized sections. Make paintings to represent simple fractions and to find fractions that are equivalent to one-half. 5 Minute Preview
3.N.2.e: Justify whole numbers as fractions and identify fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers.
Equivalent Fractions (Fraction Tiles)
Explore fractions using the Fractionator, the machine that makes fraction tiles. Compare fractions and find equivalent fractions by arranging the tiles on two horizontal rows. Explore simplifying fractions. Add fractions and express sums as improper fractions or mixed numbers. 5 Minute Preview
3.N.2.f: Compare and order fractions having the same numerators or denominators by reasoning about their size.
Fraction Artist 2 (Area Models of Fractions)
Extend understanding of fractions by making modern paintings in the style of Piet Mondrian. Create and analyze paintings with different-sized sections. Compare the sizes of unit fractions. Find creative ways to color one-half of a painting. This can be a nice introduction to adding fractions with unlike denominators. 5 Minute Preview
Fraction Garden (Comparing Fractions)
Plant flowers in two gardens to help develop fraction sense. The two gardens act as number lines, from 0 to 1. Use the flowers in the gardens to compare fractions and to explore equivalent fractions. Chalk marks can be drawn to divide the garden into equal sections. 5 Minute Preview
Modeling Fractions (Area Models)
Model and compare fractions using area models. Set the denominators with the arrow buttons, and then set the numerators with the arrow buttons or by clicking in the models. Compare fractions visually, on a number line, or numerically using the least common denominator. 5 Minute Preview
Equivalent Fractions (Fraction Tiles)
Explore fractions using the Fractionator, the machine that makes fraction tiles. Compare fractions and find equivalent fractions by arranging the tiles on two horizontal rows. Explore simplifying fractions. Add fractions and express sums as improper fractions or mixed numbers. 5 Minute Preview
Fraction Artist 1 (Area Models of Fractions)
Develop understanding of fractions by making modern paintings. Find different ways to divide a canvas into equal-sized sections. Make paintings to represent simple fractions and to find fractions that are equivalent to one-half. 5 Minute Preview
3.A: Algebra: Students will solve problems and reason with algebra using multiple representations, make connections within math and across disciplines, and communicate their ideas.
3.A.1: Operations and Algebraic Thinking: Students will extend understanding of multiplication and apply operational properties to solve problems.
3.A.1.a: Add and subtract up to four-digit whole numbers with or without regrouping using strategies based on place value and algorithms.
Target Sum Card Game (Multi-digit Addition)
Play an addition card game! The goal is to create a sum that is as close as possible to the target sum. Students will deepen their understanding of place value as they get better at playing the game. Many game options allow students to vary the game for more practice. The game can be played with one or two players. 5 Minute Preview
Cargo Captain (Multi-digit Subtraction)
You are the captain of an interplanetary cargo ship, delivering important supplies to the outer planets. The cargo can be stored in barrels, crates, and holds. (There are 10 barrels in a crate, and 10 crates in a hold.) Model multi-digit subtraction by unloading cargo on each planet. 5 Minute Preview
Number Line Frog Hop (Addition and Subtraction)
Live a frog's life as you hop along a number line in search of flies. Learn how addition and subtraction can be represented as movement along a number line. Fred the frog may even help you get better at adding and subtracting two-digit numbers in your head by decomposing them into tens and ones. 5 Minute Preview
Adding Whole Numbers and Decimals (Base-10 Blocks)
Use base-10 blocks to model two numbers. Then combine the blocks to model the sum. Blocks of equal value can be exchanged from one area of the mat to the other to help understand carrying when adding. Four sets of blocks are available to model different place values. 5 Minute Preview
Subtracting Whole Numbers and Decimals (Base-10 Blocks)
Use base-10 blocks to model a starting number. Then subtract blocks from this number by dragging them into a subtraction bin. Blocks of equal value can be exchanged from one section of the mat to the other to help understand regrouping and borrowing. Four sets of blocks are available to model different place values. 5 Minute Preview
Whole Numbers with Base-10 Blocks
Use base-10 blocks to model, add, and subtract whole numbers. Learn about place value using flats (hundreds), rods (tens), and cubes (ones). Group or ungroup blocks as needed to add or subtract. This regrouping is often called "carrying" when adding, and "borrowing" when subtracting. 5 Minute Preview
3.A.1.c: Solve and write one-step whole number equations to represent authentic problems using the four operations including equations with an unknown start, unknown change, or unknown result.
No Alien Left Behind (Division with Remainders)
The alien school children from the planet Zigmo travel to distant planets on a field trip. The goal is to select a bus size so that all buses are full and no aliens are left behind. This is a nice illustration of division with remainders. 5 Minute Preview
Critter Count (Modeling Multiplication)
Use groups of critters on leaves to model multiplication as repeated addition. Change the expression to change the number of groups or the number of critters per group. Display the critters either on leaves or as a rectangular array. 5 Minute Preview
Number Line Frog Hop (Addition and Subtraction)
Live a frog's life as you hop along a number line in search of flies. Learn how addition and subtraction can be represented as movement along a number line. Fred the frog may even help you get better at adding and subtracting two-digit numbers in your head by decomposing them into tens and ones. 5 Minute Preview
3.A.1.d: Interpret and solve two-step authentic problems involving whole numbers and the four operations.
No Alien Left Behind (Division with Remainders)
The alien school children from the planet Zigmo travel to distant planets on a field trip. The goal is to select a bus size so that all buses are full and no aliens are left behind. This is a nice illustration of division with remainders. 5 Minute Preview
Critter Count (Modeling Multiplication)
Use groups of critters on leaves to model multiplication as repeated addition. Change the expression to change the number of groups or the number of critters per group. Display the critters either on leaves or as a rectangular array. 5 Minute Preview
Chocomatic (Multiplication, Arrays, and Area)
Use the Chocomatic to design candy bars made out of chocolate squares. Use multiplication to find the number of squares in each chocolate bar. Build collections of chocolate bars that all have the same number of squares. Solve multiplication problems by joining two smaller chocolate bars into a large bar. 5 Minute Preview
Cargo Captain (Multi-digit Subtraction)
You are the captain of an interplanetary cargo ship, delivering important supplies to the outer planets. The cargo can be stored in barrels, crates, and holds. (There are 10 barrels in a crate, and 10 crates in a hold.) Model multi-digit subtraction by unloading cargo on each planet. 5 Minute Preview
Number Line Frog Hop (Addition and Subtraction)
Live a frog's life as you hop along a number line in search of flies. Learn how addition and subtraction can be represented as movement along a number line. Fred the frog may even help you get better at adding and subtracting two-digit numbers in your head by decomposing them into tens and ones. 5 Minute Preview
3.A.1.e: Apply commutative, associative, distributive, identity, and zero properties as strategies to multiply and divide.
Critter Count (Modeling Multiplication)
Use groups of critters on leaves to model multiplication as repeated addition. Change the expression to change the number of groups or the number of critters per group. Display the critters either on leaves or as a rectangular array. 5 Minute Preview
Chocomatic (Multiplication, Arrays, and Area)
Use the Chocomatic to design candy bars made out of chocolate squares. Use multiplication to find the number of squares in each chocolate bar. Build collections of chocolate bars that all have the same number of squares. Solve multiplication problems by joining two smaller chocolate bars into a large bar. 5 Minute Preview
3.A.1.f: Use drawings, words, arrays, symbols, repeated addition, equal groups, and number lines to interpret and explain the meaning of multiplication and division and their relationship.
No Alien Left Behind (Division with Remainders)
The alien school children from the planet Zigmo travel to distant planets on a field trip. The goal is to select a bus size so that all buses are full and no aliens are left behind. This is a nice illustration of division with remainders. 5 Minute Preview
Critter Count (Modeling Multiplication)
Use groups of critters on leaves to model multiplication as repeated addition. Change the expression to change the number of groups or the number of critters per group. Display the critters either on leaves or as a rectangular array. 5 Minute Preview
Chocomatic (Multiplication, Arrays, and Area)
Use the Chocomatic to design candy bars made out of chocolate squares. Use multiplication to find the number of squares in each chocolate bar. Build collections of chocolate bars that all have the same number of squares. Solve multiplication problems by joining two smaller chocolate bars into a large bar. 5 Minute Preview
Factor Trees (Factoring Numbers)
The Factor Trees Gizmo has two modes. In Factor mode, you can create factor trees to factor composite numbers into primes. In Build mode, you can build numbers by multiplying primes together. Can you build all composite numbers up to 50? Any whole composite number up to 999 can be factored or built with the Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
3.A.1.g: Fluently multiply and divide within 100 using strategies based on understanding and properties of operations.
No Alien Left Behind (Division with Remainders)
The alien school children from the planet Zigmo travel to distant planets on a field trip. The goal is to select a bus size so that all buses are full and no aliens are left behind. This is a nice illustration of division with remainders. 5 Minute Preview
Critter Count (Modeling Multiplication)
Use groups of critters on leaves to model multiplication as repeated addition. Change the expression to change the number of groups or the number of critters per group. Display the critters either on leaves or as a rectangular array. 5 Minute Preview
Chocomatic (Multiplication, Arrays, and Area)
Use the Chocomatic to design candy bars made out of chocolate squares. Use multiplication to find the number of squares in each chocolate bar. Build collections of chocolate bars that all have the same number of squares. Solve multiplication problems by joining two smaller chocolate bars into a large bar. 5 Minute Preview
3.G: Geometry: Students will solve problems and reason with geometry using multiple representations, make connections within math and across disciplines, and communicate their ideas.
3.G.1: Shapes and Their Attributes: Students will recognize and represent the attributes of two-dimensional shapes.
3.G.1.a: Sort quadrilaterals into categories according to their attributes.
Classifying Quadrilaterals
Apply constraints to a quadrilateral, and then reshape and resize it. Classify the figure by its constraints. Explore the differences between the different kinds of quadrilaterals. 5 Minute Preview
3.G.2: Area and Perimeter: Students will recognize perimeter and area as attributes of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement.
3.G.2.a: Solve authentic problems involving perimeters of polygons when given the side lengths or when given the perimeter and unknown side length(s).
Fido's Flower Bed (Perimeter and Area)
Construct models of gardens on a grid using squares of sod. Fence the gardens to find and compare perimeters. Work with pre-built gardens made of 36 squares each to compare perimeters of shapes with equal areas. 5 Minute Preview
3.G.2.b: Use concrete and pictorial models to measure areas in square units by counting square units.
Fido's Flower Bed (Perimeter and Area)
Construct models of gardens on a grid using squares of sod. Fence the gardens to find and compare perimeters. Work with pre-built gardens made of 36 squares each to compare perimeters of shapes with equal areas. 5 Minute Preview
Chocomatic (Multiplication, Arrays, and Area)
Use the Chocomatic to design candy bars made out of chocolate squares. Use multiplication to find the number of squares in each chocolate bar. Build collections of chocolate bars that all have the same number of squares. Solve multiplication problems by joining two smaller chocolate bars into a large bar. 5 Minute Preview
Balancing Blocks (Volume)
This Gizmo provides you with two challenges. First, use blocks to build a figure with a given volume. Then, try to balance the blocks on a platform that sits on the tip of a cone. The dimensions of the platform can be adjusted, and blocks can be added or deleted by clicking on the model. 5 Minute Preview
3.G.2.c: Find the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths by modeling with unit squares; show that area can be additive and is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths.
Fido's Flower Bed (Perimeter and Area)
Construct models of gardens on a grid using squares of sod. Fence the gardens to find and compare perimeters. Work with pre-built gardens made of 36 squares each to compare perimeters of shapes with equal areas. 5 Minute Preview
Chocomatic (Multiplication, Arrays, and Area)
Use the Chocomatic to design candy bars made out of chocolate squares. Use multiplication to find the number of squares in each chocolate bar. Build collections of chocolate bars that all have the same number of squares. Solve multiplication problems by joining two smaller chocolate bars into a large bar. 5 Minute Preview
Balancing Blocks (Volume)
This Gizmo provides you with two challenges. First, use blocks to build a figure with a given volume. Then, try to balance the blocks on a platform that sits on the tip of a cone. The dimensions of the platform can be adjusted, and blocks can be added or deleted by clicking on the model. 5 Minute Preview
3.G.3: Measurement: Students will use tools to solve measurement problems.
3.G.3.a: Identify and use the appropriate tools and units of measurement, both customary and metric, to solve authentic problems involving length, weight, mass, liquid volume, and capacity (within the same system and unit).
Weight and Mass
Use a balance to measure mass and a spring scale to measure the weight of objects. Compare the masses and weights of objects on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon. 5 Minute Preview
Cannonball Clowns (Number Line Estimation)
Launch clowns from a circus cannon and try to hit the target. Drag digit cards on the control panel to set the launch distance and choose an appropriate unit of distance. After practicing your clown-launching skills on a number line, move on to the Big Top, Football Field, School Buses, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more! 5 Minute Preview
Measuring Volume
Measure the volume of liquids and solids using beakers, graduated cylinders, overflow cups, and rulers. Water can be poured from one container to another and objects can be added to containers. A pipette can be used to transfer small amounts of water, and a magnifier can be used to observe the meniscus in a graduated cylinder. Test your volume-measurement skills in the "Practice" mode of the Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
3.G.4: Time: Students will tell time to the nearest minute and find elapsed time.
3.G.4.a: Tell and write time to the minute using both analog and digital clocks.
Elapsed Time
Calculate the difference between the times given by two analog clocks. Rotate the hands of the clocks to change the time and see how the calculation changes. 5 Minute Preview
3.G.4.b: Solve authentic problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals and find elapsed time.
Elapsed Time
Calculate the difference between the times given by two analog clocks. Rotate the hands of the clocks to change the time and see how the calculation changes. 5 Minute Preview
3.D: Data: Students will solve problems and reason with data/probability using multiple representations, make connections within math and across disciplines, and communicate their ideas.
3.D.1: Data Collection: Students will formulate questions to collect, organize, and represent data.
3.D.1.a: Create scaled picture graphs and scaled bar graphs to represent a data set with more than four categories, including data collected through observations, surveys, and experiments.
Graphing Skills
Create a graph (bar graph, line graph, pie chart, or scatter plot) based on a given data set. Title the graph, label the axes, and choose a scale. Adjust the graph to fit the data, and then check your accuracy. The Gizmo can also be used to create a data table based on a given graph. 5 Minute Preview
Reaction Time 1 (Graphs and Statistics)
Test your reaction time by catching a falling ruler or clicking a target. Create a data set of experiment results, and calculate the range, mode, median, and mean of your data. Data can be displayed on a list, table, bar graph or dot plot. The Reaction Time 1 Student Exploration focuses on range, mode, and median. 5 Minute Preview
Mascot Election (Pictographs and Bar Graphs)
A brand new school is opening and it is time to elect the school mascot! Students can choose the Eagle, Lion, Bear, or Wolf. Voting results can be displayed in a table, tally chart, pictograph, bar graph, circle graph, or dot plot. You can change student votes by selecting a group of students and clicking a mascot. 5 Minute Preview
3.D.2: Analyze Data and Interpret Results: Students will analyze the data and interpret the results.
3.D.2.a: Analyze data and make simple statements using information represented in picture graphs, line plots, and bar graphs.
Graphing Skills
Create a graph (bar graph, line graph, pie chart, or scatter plot) based on a given data set. Title the graph, label the axes, and choose a scale. Adjust the graph to fit the data, and then check your accuracy. The Gizmo can also be used to create a data table based on a given graph. 5 Minute Preview
Reaction Time 1 (Graphs and Statistics)
Test your reaction time by catching a falling ruler or clicking a target. Create a data set of experiment results, and calculate the range, mode, median, and mean of your data. Data can be displayed on a list, table, bar graph or dot plot. The Reaction Time 1 Student Exploration focuses on range, mode, and median. 5 Minute Preview
Correlation last revised: 2/17/2026
About STEM Cases
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
Introduction to the Heatmap
STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
How Free Gizmos Work
Start teaching with 20-40 Free Gizmos. See the full list.
Access lesson materials for Free Gizmos including teacher guides, lesson plans, and more.
All other Gizmos are limited to a 5 Minute Preview and can only be used for 5 minutes a day.
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