Engage students with critical-thinking word problem activities involving 3rd-grade multiplication and division! These math debate activities are a great way to encourage students to develop problem-solving skills, practice supporting their opinions and explaining their thinking, and provide an incredible opportunity for high-quality math discussions. These rigorous word problems can be used daily for a FULL MONTH as exit tickets, math warm-ups or bell ringers, small group activities, independent math centers, and much more! Keep reading to learn how you and your students can benefit from these multiplication and division math debates for third graders!

This Resource Includes:

• 24 critical thinking math debate word problems focusing on multiplication and division problems within 100 (math facts 2-10).
• Printable version- each problem is on half a sheet of paper with a space for students to write a paragraph to explain their thinking and draw a model if necessary.
• Full-color and printer-friendly versions available for the printable resource.
• Digital version- 24 Google Slides with one problem on each slide and a place for students to type their responses.
• Student-friendly instructions in both printable and digital versions.
• All word problems are Safari-themed for a more immersive and fun experience!

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How to use this resource in your classroom:

• Print and cut math debates down the middle OR assign digitally (Google Slides). Print or post student-friendly instructions.
• Present math debate task to students. Read each problem carefully to hear two sides to an argument. Then, students will decide which point of view they agree with, or who is right. 
• Instruct them that the answer to the debate could be one of the names, both names, or neither name.
• Students will then explain their thinking and justify their answer with 3-5 sentences, and draw a model if necessary.

Activity Variations- Use daily for a FULL MONTH of activities

• Exit Ticket: Use these math debates as a final problem that students fill out during your math block. Grade the problem and use the data you gather to inform your instruction.
• Math Warm-Up/Bell Ringer: This is a great way to start your math time, or your entire school day! This gives students the opportunity to enter math with a critical thinking activity and sets them up for some great math discussions.
• Small-Group Instruction: Tackle this problem with a small group during your math time. These problems provide an excellent opportunity for rich discussion that exposes your students’ thinking and uncovers misconceptions.
• Independent Math Center: Allow students to work through a set of 4 (or more) math debates during a 15-20 minute independent center time. Remember, this can be done digitally or printed.
• Partner Activity: Allow students to complete these problems while working together. It encourages them to talk about math and explain their thinking to their peers.
• Substitute Math Activity: Have these no-prep math debates ready to go for emergency sub plans. Students could work through them in many of the above ways with little to no additional instruction (if necessary).

How will this resource benefit my students?

• Provide them opportunities to develop and improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Engage students by presenting immersive safari-themed problems and allow them to develop a personal opinion about an issue.
• Stretch their ability to explain their thinking, and support their opinions with evidence.

How will this resource benefit me?

• Easy low-prep way to implement academically rigorous and challenging math content each day.
• Engage students and stretch their abilities as they develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Build on students' conceptual understanding of math content- HOW and WHY things work!
• Start high-quality math discussions with students, uncover misconceptions, and prompt them to ask questions.

Related Resources: Check out the other resources included in the 3rd Grade Multiplication and Division Safari Bundle:

• Safari Survival: Escape from the Jungle Digital Escape Room Game
• Differentiated Task Cards- 3 leveled sets of 32 task cards (Digital and Printable)
• Project-Based Learning Workbook- 9 immersive activities for students to participate in safari life! (Digital and Printable)

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