The Three Act Math Problem

If you have taught math for any length, you are familiar with three act math lessons. The idea behind them to introduce the problem in act one using say a video or  photo which introduces the conflict or problem with as few words as possible. The visual should be clear and easy to understand.  The second act helps students look for solutions using tools, etc while the third act helps resolve or show the solution.

This type of problem actually helps promote a growth mindset.  Most 3 act math lessons are set up so any math student can attempt a solution, even lower performing students feel capable of trying to solve the problem. Another reason these are good is that there are always more than way to find a solution.

The second act is designed to allow students to explore multiple avenues to find the same solution.  Furthermore, the second act is where the discussion happens on what information is still needed  before students work in groups trying to find a solution.  Last, is act three where the answer is revealed to the students.  There are times when their solutions will not match the actual answer because there other factors in play but it opens up the floor to a discussion on the reality of mathematical models. In addition, the reveal also allows students to discuss errors they made along with correcting those errors.

The nice thing about these three act math problems is they allow students the freedom to explore solutions in their own way.  They also promote conversation which helps improve communications and collaboration.  For many students, these 3 act math problems based on real life situations make more sense than the standard problems provided in a textbook.  These types of problems allow students to shine through and show they are math people. 

In addition, three act math problems  are wonderful for helping students develop the skills they need to solve real life problems because they have to understand the situation or problem, determine which information is needed and usable, what information they still need, what questions they need to ask in order to find the needed information, where to go to find the information they might need, and the problems help build perseverance.

Sometimes the 3 act math problem can be based on something ridiculous like the number of post it notes needed to cover a  whiteboard or the amount of money one can fit in a classroom.  Sometimes its not as "real life" as people would like but if it engages students fully does it matter?  The problems can sometimes be the hook in and of themselves.

If you don't want to make them yourself, check out those by Dan Meyer who started the 3 act math problems, Robert Kaplinsky, Andrew Gael, John Orr, and several others.  Just do a search and so many will show up that you'll never have to make them. 

Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.