Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3, Unit 8: Playground Games & Data
In this unit, the year wraps up with data from games and measuring. Your child collects results, shows them on picture graphs, bar graphs, and line plots, and answers questions like how many more. They measure lengths to the nearest quarter inch and solve two-step problems with the numbers they gathered, pulling together much of the year's work.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Using numbers from their own games to solve two-step problems, like two teams' points together minus a third team's points. Learn more: Story problems with two steps
- Drawing and reading bar graphs and picture graphs where one picture or square stands for more than one, like 1 star = 5 votes. Learn more: Reading picture graphs and bar graphs
- Measuring lengths to the nearest half or quarter inch and showing them on a line plot, a number line with X marks above it. Learn more: Measuring to the nearest quarter inch
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
A bakery made 500 cookies. They sold 235 on Saturday and 190 on Sunday. How many are left?
- 75
- 85
- 175
How you can help
- Count the colors of cars you pass on a walk or ride, turn the tally into a bar graph that counts by 5s, and ask how many more were white than red.
- Measure everyone's hand or shoe to the nearest half inch, then mark each length with an X above a number line drawn on paper.
- Keep score in a paper-ball toss and ask a two-step question, such as how many points two players scored together and how far ahead that is of a third.
Where kids can get stuck
- Ignoring the key and counting each picture as one, so 4 stars worth 5 books each reads as 4 instead of 20.
- Lining up an object with the end of the ruler instead of the 0 mark.
- Reading the mark halfway between 2 and 3 inches as 2 1/4 instead of 2 1/2.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- data
- Information collected, like a list of measurements or votes.
- bar graph
- A graph that uses bars of different lengths to show and compare amounts.
- picture graph
- A graph that uses pictures to show amounts.
- key
- The part of a picture graph that tells how many each picture stands for.
- scale
- The numbers on a graph that tell how much each space is worth.
- line plot
- A number line with X marks above it to show how many times each measurement appears.
- quarter inch
- One of 4 equal parts of an inch; also called a fourth.
- half inch
- One of 2 equal parts of an inch.
Want to help your child master graphs and measuring?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 8 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 8 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.