Focusing on Standards for Mathematical Practice #3:
Helping students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Using/Adapting Illustrative Mathematics Tasks will help us provide opportunities for our students to construct
viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Directions
Doing the Math
10 minutes
SMP #3
10 min
 Crazy Cakes
 Complete the task
 Explore common misconceptions or struggles students might have with this task
 Review the SMP #3 compilation document
 What is Mathematical Practice #3?
 What would we look for to show students are demonstrating their ability to
construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others?
 What would we look for to show a teacher is supporting his/her students
construction of viable arguments and critiques of others reasoning?
 Watch Illustrative Mathematics Video: Crazy Cakes3 http://vimeo.com/66201779
 While watching, record evidence of SMP #3 from the video.
What does the
TEACHER do?
What do the
STUDENTS do?
Video
10 min
 Using the rubric on the bottom of the SMP #3 compilation, rate where you think this class
is in regards to SMP #3
 How does this compare with your classroom?
 Consider your teaching implications for transitioning to CCSS
 What did you observe from watching the students’ in the video?
Considerations
for Teaching
 What implications does this have for your classroom?
10 minutes
 What experiences do you need to provide your students this year?
 What questions do you have?
 Explore tasks related to your standard on the Illustrative Mathematics site.
Exploration and
 Select a task(s) that can help your students work on constructing viable arguments and
Extensions
critiquing the reasoning of others.
20 minutes
 Consider adaptations/modifications to this task to illuminate MP#3 opportunities for
your students.