Standard

Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.

Student language:

• "I can measure liquids and solids with liters, grams and kilograms."
• "I can use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve word problems involving mass and volume."

Explanation

About the Math, Learning Targets, and Rigor

This standard asks for students to reason about the units of mass and volume and solve word problems. Students need multiple opportunities weighing classroom objects and filling containers to help them develop a basic understanding of the size and weight of a liter, a gram, and a kilogram. Word problems should only be one-step and include the same units. (Note: This standard excludes multiplicative comparison problems - problems involving notions of “times as much”.)

Example

Students identify 5 things that have a mass of about one gram. They record their findings with words and pictures. (Students can repeat this for 5 grams and 10 grams.)

• This activity helps develop gram benchmarks.
• One large paperclip weighs about one gram.
• A box of large paperclips (100 clips) has a mass of about 100 grams so 10 boxes would have a mass of one kilogram.

Resources

Videos

• Khan Academy
  • scroll to 3.MD.2, click on a skill, watch videos on left side in each skill
• Learn Zillion
• Virtual Nerd

EngageNY Lessons

Extra Practice

• North Carolina Tasks
• Illustrative Math Tasks
• Howard County Tasks
  • Click on 3rd grade at bottom, then 3.MD.2
• Common Core Sheets

Released Assessment Questions

PARCC

3.MD.2-1

Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).

• Estimates are the result of reading a scale.

STUDENT SAMPLE RESPONSE

3.MD.2-2

Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.

• Only the answer is required (methods, representations, etc. are not assessed here).
• Units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).

STUDENT SAMPLE RESPONSE

3.MD.2-3

Measure or estimate liquid volumes or masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l), then use the estimated value(s) to estimate the answer to a one-step word problem by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

(Content Scope: 3.MD.2)

STUDENT SAMPLE RESPONSE

Performance Indicators: 3.MD.2-1, 3.MD.2-2, 3.MD.2-3

Level 5: Exceeds Expectations

• Using grams, kilograms or liters, measures, estimates and solves multi-step word problems involving liquid volumes and masses of objects using any of the four basic operations. Number values should be towards the higher end of the acceptable values for each operation.
• Uses estimated measurements to compare answers to one-step word problems.
• Evaluates usefulness and accuracy of estimations.

Level 4: Meets Expectations

• Using grams, kilograms or liters, measures and estimates liquid volumes and masses of objects using any of the four basic operations.
• Uses estimated measurements, when indicated, to answer one-step word problems.

Integrated Standards

3.Int.5

Add, subtract, or multiply to solve a one-step word problem involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, where a substantial addition, subtraction, or multiplication step is required drawing on knowledge and skills articulated in 3.NBT, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.7.

(Content Scope: 3.MD.2, 3.NBT.2, and 3.NBT.3)

• Tasks must be aligned to the first standard and 1 or more of the subsequent standards listed in the content scope. Substantial (def.) – Values should be towards the higher end of the numbers identified in the standards.

Performance Indicators: 3.Int.5

Level 5: Exceeds Expectations

• Using grams, kilograms or liters, measures, estimates and solves multi-step word problems involving liquid volumes and masses of objects using any of the four basic operations. Number values should be towards the higher end of the acceptable values for each operation.
• Uses estimated measurements to compare answers to one-step word problems.
• Evaluates usefulness and accuracy of estimations.

Level 4: Meets Expectations

• Using grams, kilograms or liters, measures and estimates liquid volumes and masses of objects using any of the four basic operations.
• Uses estimated measurements, when indicated, to answer one-step word problems.