THE PAPERCLIP

CHALLENGE
Lesson Plan for Grade 3, Math
Prepared by Ms. Lastiyano

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

Using our newfound skills in probability, we will be predicting how many paperclips
each student can hold and conduct

EDUCATION STANDARDS
Content Area: Mathematics Standard: 3.
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
Prepared Graduates: Solve problems and make decisions that depend on understanding,
explaining, and quantifying the variability in data
1. ii. Solve one- and two-step how many more and how many less
problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs.1 (CCSS: 3.MD.3)

OBJECTIVES
1. Vivamus gravida lorem vel neque pulvinar bibendum.
2. Aenean vestibulum odio faucibus sapien.
3. Pellentesque accumsan auctor tortor.

MATERIALS NEEDED
1. 7 packages of 300 count paper clips
2. 2 Giant sheets of paper (white board will suffice)
3. Markers(Dry erase if needed)

ACTIVITY
1

Describe activity that will reinforce the lesson

We will introduce the ideas of probability and data analysis in the first ten minutes of
our activity.
Probability is, an estimation of a desired outcome. For example-the probability of
flipping heads on a quarter is 1 out of 2 if you flip it once. What do you think it will be if
we flip our quarter three times?
Mini-Activity:
Define probability in your own words to your table mates, and come up with one to
share with the class.
Paper Clip Challenge:
Place two sheets of paper on the board and title one, How many do I think I can hold?
And write each students name along the left margin of the paper. Title the other How
many can I actually hold? And again, write each students name.
Paper clips can come in various sizes, shapes and colors. Today we are using a regular
sized silver paper clips to help us better understand probability. One these sheets of
paper, next to your name I want you to make a prediction, how many paperclips do you
think you can hold?
*Write predictions*
Now, were going to be passing around a bucket full of paperclips take as much as you
can hold without any falling out or spilling over your hands. Now, count them at your
desk and write on the other sheet of paper how much you can actually hold.
*wait for people to get finished counted and recorded on the sheet of paper.*
What do you notice about our predictions? Were you correct or not?
On a sheet of notebook paper, reflect to yourself and replicate the information on the
posters on the board.
What does our data show? What does it mean? Use our math language to analyze the
information.
This will serve as my assessment, I will be collecting their reflections before they leave
for recess. (Exit Ticket)