3 Act Math

What is a Three Act Math Task?

A 3-Act Math Task is a whole-group mathematics task consisting of three distinct parts: an engaging and perplexing Act One, an information and solution seeking Act Two, and a solution discussion and solution revealing Act Three.  

How do I use this strategy?

ACT 1: Engage and Perplex

• The teacher shares with scholars an image, video, or other situation that is engaging and perplexing.

• Scholars discuss what they notice and wonder. They generate question(s) to ask about the situation.

• Scholars decide on a question to answer and make estimates about the likely solution.

ACT 2: Seek Information and Solutions

• Scholars work on finding solutions to their problems. 

• They use information they have and ask for more information as needed.

• The teacher supplies more information as requested by scholars.

• They may adjust their question as they work.

​ACT 3: Reveal, Discuss, Extend!

• Scholars share their work, their thinking, and their solutions.

• There is a reveal by the teacher of a solution, and the discussion that ensues may take many directions:

• Scholars might compare their solutions to each others and to the reveal.

• Scholars might compare their solutions to their estimates and discuss the comparison.

• Scholars might discuss the assumptions that were made in the work.

• Scholars might think of other questions they could pursue next

• The teacher helps students connect their work to the core math of the task.

( This information was provided from the San Francisco Unified School Districts Mathematics Department Website.)

Check out our Board Adopted Curriculum for additional 3-Act Math Task. Each Topic contains a 3-Act Math task. These task can be found in the mid chapter check in.

Click here to view Dan Meyer's 3- Act Math Tasks Google Sheet. 

Additional 3 Act math tasks from Graham Fletcher can be found by Clicking Here.  The task for Graham focus on helping scholars to develop fact fluency and greater number sense.