Mathematics Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools – 2016

Grade 3

The third-grade standards place emphasis on developing an understanding of, and solving problems that involve multiplication and division through 10 × 10. Students will apply knowledge of place value and the properties of addition and multiplication as strategies for solving problems. Concrete models and pictorial representations will be used to introduce addition and subtraction with fractions and the concept of probability as the measurement of chance. Students will use standard units (U.S. Customary and metric) to measure temperature, length, and liquid volume. Properties of shapes, points, line segments, rays, angles, vertices, and lines will be explored and students will identify polygons with 10 or fewer sides, combine and subdivide polygons, and name the resulting polygon(s).

The use of appropriate technology and the interpretation of the results from applying technology tools must be an integral part of teaching, learning, and assessment. While learning mathematics, students will be actively engaged, using concrete materials and appropriate technologies to facilitate problem solving. However, facility in the use of technology shall not be regarded as a substitute for a student’s understanding of quantitative and algebraic concepts or for proficiency in basic computations.

The acquisition of specialized mathematical vocabulary and language is crucial to a student’s understanding and appreciation of the subject and fosters confidence in mathematics communication and problem solving.

Problem solving is integrated throughout the content strands. The development of problem-solving skills is a major goal of the mathematics program at every grade level. The development of skills and problem-solving strategies must be integrated early and continuously into each student’s mathematics education.