Math Jepoardy for Third Graders

I created a PowerPoint version of Third Grade Math Jeopardy. This game will be played in my classroom the day before winter break. The game uses actual math problems that my students need help practicing. There are five categories: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and mystery. I used a range of problems from basic facts to story problems, to critical thinking and more intensive problem solving. The $100 questions are easiest, and the questions get incrementally harder as the dollar value goes up. The math problems are based on problems students have had experience with in class so far this year. They all correlate to the Common Core State Standards for third grade math and our curriculum, Math in Focus.

This game is designed to be run by the teacher and played by the entire class. Students should be split into small groups so that it is manageable. The teacher can be the scorekeeper and facilitator. Students will need to have a good method of communicating before volunteering an answer to a problem. My suggestion will be to have students work together to solve each problem, even though it may be slower. They will also need pencil and paper to solve many of the problems. The game has links that allow the facilitator to go directly to the question and answer, and then navigate back to the main board. There is also a Final Jeopardy question, which is designed to remind students to practice math over winter break.

This game is great for differentiation. The dollar values are the differentiation in content. The lower amount of money the problem is worth, the easier it is. This higher amount of money a problem is worth, the more difficult it is. There is also opportunity for peer mentoring within the small heterogeneous groupings. Students of all ability levels will be in each group allowing for everyone to see, practice, and learn problem solving strategies.

I will be able to assess students during this game and after. I will observe teams working together and solving problems together. I am looking for inclusion and teamwork. I will notice the students who are leaders and those who are not contributing as much as well as those who are right on target. After the game, I could give a quick exit ticket assessment to get students’ thoughts on the group work and feelings of success or frustration with the actual math problems.