The big ideas in grade 3 include: developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100; developing understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1); developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes.

The mathematical work for grade 3 is partitioned into 8 units:

1. Introducing Multiplication

2. Area and Multiplication

3. Wrapping Up Addition and Subtraction within 1,000

4. Relating Multiplication to Division

5. Fractions as Numbers

6. Measuring Length, Time, Liquid Volume, and Weight

7. Two-dimensional Shapes and Perimeter

8. Putting It All Together