3
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    States · MD

    Maryland Grade 3 standards crosswalk

    How each national third grade standard lines up with Maryland's own standards.

    How to read this

    Each row takes one national third grade standard and shows the Maryland standard that covers it. Same: the state standard says the same thing. Close: the same skill with small wording differences. Partly: the state covers only part of it in Grade 3. Not in Grade 3: the state has no Grade 3 standard for it (the note says where it sits, when the state says). Third Grade teaches every national standard listed here; the notes tell you what, if anything, to adjust for Maryland.

    Checked 2026-10-08 against official Maryland documents. This is an unofficial guide; your state's own documents are the authority.

    Math

    Revised Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS) for Mathematics

    How Maryland writes its codes: Grade, domain, cluster letter and standard number, with lettered parts printed as a., b., c. under the standard; for example 3.NOS.A.1 and its part c, written here as 3.NOS.A.1.c.

    National standards under the state's own codes · adopted 2025

    19 same · 17 close · 1 partly · 0 not in Grade 3

    National standardMaryland code(s)MatchNote
    3.OA.A.1

    Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 × 7.

    3.NOS.B.2CloseRevised standards (adopted 2025, in use from 2026-27). Factors limited to 0-10; adds explaining how the factors and product are related.
    3.OA.A.2

    Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a number of shares or a number of groups can be expressed as 56 ÷ 8.

    3.NOS.B.3CloseQuotients limited to 0-10; adds explaining how quotient, divisor and dividend are related.
    3.OA.A.3

    Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

    3.AT.A.1CloseOne-step problems with equal groups, arrays and area; measurement problems are placed in 3.GR.A.4.
    3.OA.A.4

    Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 × ? = 48, 5 = □ ÷ 3, 6 × 6 = ?.

    3.NOS.C.5CloseFinding the unknown number is combined with the inverse relationship of multiplication and division in one standard.
    3.OA.B.5

    Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide.

    3.NOS.C.4CloseNames the commutative, associative and distributive properties as strategies to multiply; division is not named.
    3.OA.B.6

    Understand division as an unknown-factor problem. For example, find 32 ÷ 8 by finding the number that makes 32 when multiplied by 8.

    3.NOS.C.5CloseSame idea, worded as using the inverse relationship; combined with finding unknown numbers in equations.
    3.OA.C.7

    Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

    3.NOS.E.9, 3.NOS.E.9.a, 3.NOS.E.9.b, 3.NOS.E.9.c, 3.NOS.E.9.dCloseState says recall or quickly derive facts within 100 and lists strategies; it does not say know all products from memory.
    3.OA.D.8

    Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.

    3.AT.A.2, 3.AT.A.2.a, 3.AT.A.2.bCloseNumbers stay within the limits of the state multiplication and addition standards; estimation also names front-end estimation and benchmark numbers.
    3.OA.D.9

    Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. For example, observe that 4 times a number is always even, and explain why 4 times a number can be decomposed into two equal addends.

    3.AT.A.3Same
    3.NBT.A.1

    Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.

    3.NOS.A.1.cCloseRounding to the nearest 10 or 100 is one way of estimating quantities inside a place value standard that reaches 10,000.
    3.NBT.A.2

    Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.

    3.NOS.D.7, 3.NOS.D.7.a, 3.NOS.D.7.b, 3.NOS.D.7.cCloseLists strategies and asks children to explain which is most efficient; the word algorithms is not used.
    3.NBT.A.3

    Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10—90 (e.g., 9 × 80, 5 × 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of operations.

    3.NOS.D.8Same
    3.NF.A.1

    Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

    3.NOS.F.10, 3.NOS.F.10.bSame
    3.NF.A.2

    Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

    3.NOS.F.12Same
    3.NF.A.2.a

    Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

    3.NOS.F.12.aSame
    3.NF.A.2.b

    Represent a fraction a/b on a number line diagram by marking off a lengths 1/b from 0. Recognize that the resulting interval has size a/b and that its endpoint locates the number a/b on the number line.

    3.NOS.F.12.bSame
    3.NF.A.3

    Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

    3.NOS.F.13Same
    3.NF.A.3.a

    Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.

    3.NOS.F.13.aSame
    3.NF.A.3.b

    Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3). Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

    3.NOS.F.13.bSame
    3.NF.A.3.c

    Express whole numbers as fractions, and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers.

    3.NOS.F.13.cSame
    3.NF.A.3.d

    Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

    3.NOS.F.13.dSame
    3.MD.A.1

    Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes, e.g., by representing the problem on a number line diagram.

    3.GR.A.2PartlyGrade 3 keeps adding and subtracting time intervals in minutes; telling time to the nearest minute is placed in Grade 2 (2.GR.C.7).
    3.MD.A.2

    Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.

    3.GR.A.3, 3.GR.A.4Same
    3.MD.B.3

    Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step "how many more" and "how many less" problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.

    3.DS.A.1, 3.DS.A.1.a, 3.DS.A.1.bCloseBroader data standard: children collect data, make scaled graphs and describe what the data shows; how-many-more problems are not spelled out.
    3.MD.B.4

    Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters.

    3.GR.A.1, 3.DS.A.1.aCloseSplit: measuring to the nearest half and quarter unit is 3.GR.A.1; line plots in halves and fourths are in the data standard.
    3.MD.C.5

    Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement.

    3.GR.C.6CloseFolded into one standard: identify area as an attribute and measure it by counting square units.
    3.MD.C.5.a

    A square with side length 1 unit, called "a unit square," is said to have "one square unit" of area, and can be used to measure area.

    3.GR.C.6CloseCovered within the parent standard; the unit square is not defined separately.
    3.MD.C.5.b

    A plane figure which can be covered without gaps or overlaps by n unit squares is said to have an area of n square units.

    3.GR.C.6CloseCovered within the parent standard.
    3.MD.C.6

    Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square m, square in, square ft, and improvised units).

    3.GR.C.6Same
    3.MD.C.7

    Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.

    3.GR.C.7Same
    3.MD.C.7.a

    Find the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths by tiling it, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths.

    3.GR.C.7.aSame
    3.MD.C.7.b

    Multiply side lengths to find areas of rectangles with whole-number side lengths in the context of solving real world and mathematical problems, and represent whole-number products as rectangular areas in mathematical reasoning.

    3.GR.C.7.aCloseCovered within part a, which joins tiling, multiplying side lengths and solving problems in context.
    3.MD.C.7.c

    Use tiling to show in a concrete case that the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths a and b + c is the sum of a × b and a × c. Use area models to represent the distributive property in mathematical reasoning.

    3.GR.C.7.bSame
    3.MD.C.7.d

    Recognize area as additive. Find areas of rectilinear figures by decomposing them into non-overlapping rectangles and adding the areas of the non-overlapping parts, applying this technique to solve real world problems.

    3.GR.C.7.cSame
    3.MD.D.8

    Solve real world and mathematical problems involving perimeters of polygons, including finding the perimeter given the side lengths, finding an unknown side length, and exhibiting rectangles with the same perimeter and different areas or with the same area and different perimeters.

    3.GR.C.9Same
    3.G.A.1

    Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals, and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories.

    3.GR.B.5CloseStandard keeps the shared-attributes idea; drawing quadrilaterals that are not rhombuses, rectangles or squares appears only in the companion guide notes.
    3.G.A.2

    Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole. For example, partition a shape into 4 parts with equal area, and describe the area of each part as 1/4 of the area of the shape.

    3.NOS.F.10.aSame

    In Maryland's Grade 3 standards, not in the national list

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.NOS.A.1Understand place value in whole numbers up to 10,000. The program works within 1,000.not taught
    3.NOS.A.1.aRead and write whole numbers up to 10,000 in numerals, number names and expanded form.not taught
    3.NOS.A.1.bPut together and break apart whole numbers up to 10,000.not taught
    3.NOS.A.1.dCompare two whole numbers up to 10,000 using digit values and the number line, and record with >, = and <.not taught
    3.NOS.D.6Estimate sums and differences within 1,000 with benchmark numbers and front-end estimation, and decide when an estimate is enough.not taught
    3.NOS.F.11Explain a fraction of a set, such as 2 of 3 objects in a group.not taught
    3.GR.C.8Identify perimeter as a property of flat shapes and measure it by counting units or adding side lengths.Week 30
    3.DS.A.1.cFind patterns in data and judge whether those patterns might hold in other situations.not taught

    English Language Arts

    Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS) for Literacy/English Language Arts

    How Maryland writes its codes: Strand, grade and standard number, as in RL.3.1 (printed this way for reading). In the Grade 3 column the other PDFs print short labels without the grade (L1.a, SL1.a, RF3.a, and W1 with parts as W.1.a.), written here with the grade as L.3.1.a, RF.3.3.a, W.3.1.a.

    Uses the national codes

    81 same · 8 close · 0 partly · 1 not in Grade 3

    National standardMaryland code(s)MatchNote
    RL.3.1

    Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

    RL.3.1Same
    RL.3.2

    Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

    RL.3.2Same
    RL.3.3

    Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.

    RL.3.3Same
    RL.3.4

    Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.

    RL.3.4Same
    RL.3.5

    Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.

    RL.3.5Same
    RL.3.6

    Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.

    RL.3.6Same
    RL.3.7

    Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting).

    RL.3.7Same
    RL.3.9

    Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books from a series).

    RL.3.9Same
    RL.3.10

    By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2—3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

    RL.3.10Same
    RI.3.1

    Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

    RI.3.1Same
    RI.3.2

    Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.

    RI.3.2Same
    RI.3.3

    Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.

    RI.3.3Same
    RI.3.4

    Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.

    RI.3.4Same
    RI.3.5

    Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.

    RI.3.5Same
    RI.3.6

    Distinguish their own point of view from that of the author of a text.

    RI.3.6Same
    RI.3.7

    Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).

    RI.3.7Same
    RI.3.8

    Describe the logical connection between particular sentences and paragraphs in a text (e.g., comparison, cause/effect, first/second/third in a sequence).

    RI.3.8Same
    RI.3.9

    Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.

    RI.3.9Same
    RI.3.10

    By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grades 2—3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

    RI.3.10Same
    RF.3.3

    Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

    RF.3.3CloseRewritten foundational skills: phonics and word analysis for both reading (decoding) and spelling (encoding) words.
    RF.3.3.a

    Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes.

    RF.3.3.cCloseState part c: read and spell words with prefixes and derivational suffixes; how they change meaning is in the skill bullets under the part.
    RF.3.3.b

    Decode words with common Latin suffixes.

    RF.3.3.cCloseLatin suffixes are not named in the part; a skill bullet under state part c mentions the Latin origin of many prefixes and suffixes.
    RF.3.3.c

    Decode multisyllable words.

    RF.3.3.bCloseState part b: read and also spell multi-syllable words with known letter-sound correspondences.
    RF.3.3.d

    Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 reading part covers irregularly spelled words; spelling frequent irregular words is a skill bullet under L.3.2.e, and high-frequency words are in Grade 2 fluency bullets.
    RF.3.4

    Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

    RF.3.4CloseWorded as reading grade-appropriate texts with accuracy, rate and prosody to support comprehension; the state prints one fluency standard for Grades 3-5.
    RF.3.4.a

    Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

    RF.3.4.bCloseState part b: read a variety of grade-appropriate text with fluency to support comprehension; purpose is not named.
    RF.3.4.b

    Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings

    RF.3.4.bCloseProse and poetry are not named; accuracy, rate and expression are in the parent standard and rereading familiar texts is in the skill bullets.
    RF.3.4.c

    Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.

    RF.3.4.cSame
    W.3.1

    Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.

    W.3.1Same
    W.3.1.a

    Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.

    W.3.1.aSame
    W.3.1.b

    Provide reasons that support the opinion.

    W.3.1.bSame
    W.3.1.c

    Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.

    W.3.1.cSame
    W.3.1.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    W.3.1.dSame
    W.3.2

    Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

    W.3.2Same
    W.3.2.a

    Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.

    W.3.2.aSame
    W.3.2.b

    Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

    W.3.2.bSame
    W.3.2.c

    Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information.

    W.3.2.cSame
    W.3.2.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    W.3.2CloseState part d is printed as using precise language and topic vocabulary; writing a conclusion appears only in the skill bullets under the standard.
    W.3.3

    Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

    W.3.3Same
    W.3.3.a

    Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.

    W.3.3.aSame
    W.3.3.b

    Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.

    W.3.3.bSame
    W.3.3.c

    Use temporal words and phrases to signal event order.

    W.3.3.cSame
    W.3.3.d

    Provide a sense of closure.

    W.3.3.dSame
    W.3.4

    With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose.

    W.3.4Same
    W.3.5

    With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

    W.3.5Same
    W.3.6

    With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

    W.3.6Same
    W.3.7

    Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

    W.3.7Same
    W.3.8

    Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.

    W.3.8Same
    W.3.10

    Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

    W.3.10Same
    SL.3.1

    Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

    SL.3.1Same
    SL.3.1.a

    Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion.

    SL.3.1.aSame
    SL.3.1.b

    Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

    SL.3.1.bSame
    SL.3.1.c

    Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others.

    SL.3.1.cSame
    SL.3.1.d

    Explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

    SL.3.1.dSame
    SL.3.2

    Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

    SL.3.2Same
    SL.3.3

    Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.

    SL.3.3Same
    SL.3.4

    Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.

    SL.3.4Same
    SL.3.5

    Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an understandable pace; add visual displays when appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts or details.

    SL.3.5Same
    SL.3.6

    Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.

    SL.3.6Same
    L.3.1

    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

    L.3.1Same
    L.3.1.a

    Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general and their functions in particular sentences.

    L.3.1.aSame
    L.3.1.b

    Form and use regular and irregular plural nouns.

    L.3.1.bSame
    L.3.1.c

    Use abstract nouns (e.g., childhood).

    L.3.1.cSame
    L.3.1.d

    Form and use regular and irregular verbs.

    L.3.1.dSame
    L.3.1.e

    Form and use the simple (e.g., I walked; I walk; I will walk) verb tenses.

    L.3.1.eSame
    L.3.1.f

    Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement.

    L.3.1.fSame
    L.3.1.g

    Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs, and choose between them depending on what is to be modified.

    L.3.1.gSame
    L.3.1.h

    Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

    L.3.1.hSame
    L.3.1.i

    Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences.

    L.3.1.iSame
    L.3.2

    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

    L.3.2Same
    L.3.2.a

    Capitalize appropriate words in titles.

    L.3.2.aSame
    L.3.2.b

    Use commas in addresses.

    L.3.2.bSame
    L.3.2.c

    Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue.

    L.3.2.cSame
    L.3.2.d

    Form and use possessives.

    L.3.2.dSame
    L.3.2.e

    Use conventional spelling for high-frequency and other studied words and for adding suffixes to base words (e.g., sitting, smiled, cries, happiness).

    L.3.2.eSame
    L.3.2.f

    Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, position-based spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts) in writing words.

    L.3.2.fSame
    L.3.2.g

    Consult reference materials, including beginning dictionaries, as needed to check and correct spellings.

    L.3.2.gSame
    L.3.3

    Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

    L.3.3Same
    L.3.3.a

    Choose words and phrases for effect.

    L.3.3.aSame
    L.3.3.b

    Recognize and observe differences between the conventions of spoken and written standard English.

    L.3.3.bSame
    L.3.4

    Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

    L.3.4Same
    L.3.4.a

    Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

    L.3.4.aSame
    L.3.4.b

    Determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word (e.g., agreeable/disagreeable, comfortable/uncomfortable, care/careless, heat/preheat).

    L.3.4.bSame
    L.3.4.c

    Use a known root word as a clue to the meaning of an unknown word with the same root (e.g., company, companion).

    L.3.4.cSame
    L.3.4.d

    Use glossaries or beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.

    L.3.4.dSame
    L.3.5

    Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

    L.3.5Same
    L.3.5.a

    Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).

    L.3.5.aSame
    L.3.5.b

    Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., describe people who are friendly or helpful).

    L.3.5.bSame
    L.3.5.c

    Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, believed, suspected, heard, wondered).

    L.3.5.cSame
    L.3.6

    Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships (e.g., After dinner that night we went looking for them).

    L.3.6Same

    In Maryland's Grade 3 standards, not in the national list

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    RF.3.3.aKnow and use phonics skills to read and spell words.Weeks 1-36
    RF.3.3.dKnow and use spelling rules to write words with growing accuracy and ease.Weeks 1-36
    RF.3.4.aTake part in varied experiences with texts, such as read-alouds and partner, choral and echo reading, to build fluent reading.Week 34
    W.3.2.dUse precise language and subject-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain a topic (the national standards place this in Grade 4).not taught

    Science

    Maryland Science Standards

    How Maryland writes its codes: Grade, discipline and core idea number, then the expectation number, as in 3-PS2-1; engineering design codes cover grades 3 to 5, as in 3-5-ETS1-1.

    Uses the national codes

    18 same · 0 close · 0 partly · 0 not in Grade 3

    National standardMaryland code(s)MatchNote
    3-PS2-1

    Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

    3-PS2-1Same
    3-PS2-2

    Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

    3-PS2-2Same
    3-PS2-3

    Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

    3-PS2-3Same
    3-PS2-4

    Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.

    3-PS2-4Same
    3-LS1-1

    Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

    3-LS1-1Same
    3-LS2-1

    Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.

    3-LS2-1Same
    3-LS3-1

    Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms.

    3-LS3-1Same
    3-LS3-2

    Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.

    3-LS3-2Same
    3-LS4-1

    Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago.

    3-LS4-1Same
    3-LS4-2

    Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

    3-LS4-2Same
    3-LS4-3

    Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

    3-LS4-3Same
    3-LS4-4

    Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.

    3-LS4-4Same
    3-ESS2-1

    Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

    3-ESS2-1Same
    3-ESS2-2

    Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.

    3-ESS2-2Same
    3-ESS3-1

    Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

    3-ESS3-1Same
    3-5-ETS1-1

    Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

    3-5-ETS1-1Same
    3-5-ETS1-2

    Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

    3-5-ETS1-2Same
    3-5-ETS1-3

    Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

    3-5-ETS1-3Same

    Social Studies

    Maryland Social Studies Standards and Framework

    How Maryland writes its codes: Grade, unit and indicator number, with lettered objectives beneath each indicator; for example indicator 3.2.1 and its objective c, written here as 3.2.1.c.

    adopted 2025

    Grade 3 focus in Maryland: Three units on civics (making a difference in the community), Maryland economics and geography (how where you live shapes how you live) and history (how past cultures influence the present).

    UnitThird Grade topicMaryland standardsFitNote
    Unit 1 · Weeks 1–6Communities, maps, landforms and Native peoples3.2.3, 3.2.3.a, 3.3.1.aPartial fitMaryland links settlement to physical geography and compares early societies in the Americas, Europe and West Africa; no separate map-skills or landform standards.
    Unit 2 · Weeks 7–12Explorers and settlers, how communities began, U.S. geography, regions and Native nations3.3.1, 3.3.1.a, 3.3.1.b, 3.3.1.d, 3.3.2, 3.3.2.a, 3.3.2.b, 3.3.2.cPartial fitHistory unit covers early explorers, colonists and settlement in Maryland and its region; U.S. regions are not a Grade 3 expectation.
    Unit 3 · Weeks 13–18Movement and trade, culture, immigration and the state project3.2.3.b, 3.3.1.b, 3.3.2.c, 3.2.1.aPartial fitTransportation, goods and services, and settlement of cultural groups in Maryland fit; immigration is not named. The state project should be Maryland.
    Unit 4 · Weeks 19–24Local government, three branches, rights and responsibilities, voting, economics basics3.1.1, 3.1.1.a, 3.1.1.b, 3.1.1.c, 3.1.1.d, 3.1.1.e, 3.1.1.f, 3.1.2, 3.1.2.a, 3.1.2.b, 3.1.2.c, 3.1.2.d, 3.1.2.eStrong fitCivics unit covers branches, levels of government, leaders, rules, voting and the founding documents.
    Unit 5 · Weeks 25–30Producers and consumers, scarcity and markets, interdependence, resource maps, earning and budgets3.2.1, 3.2.1.a, 3.2.1.b, 3.2.1.c, 3.2.1.d, 3.2.1.e, 3.2.2, 3.2.2.aPartial fitMaryland focuses on goods and services, economic centers, jobs and entrepreneurship in the state; scarcity, banks and budgets are not named.
    Unit 6 · Weeks 31–36Saving, spending and giving, civic action and the community project3.1.3, 3.1.3.a, 3.1.3.b, 3.1.3.c, 3.1.3.d, 3.1.3.e, 3.1.3.f, 3.1.3.g, 3.3.2.dPartial fitCivic action plans on a current issue match closely; saving, spending and giving are not in the Grade 3 framework.

    In Maryland's Grade 3 social studies standards, not covered by a unit

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.2.1.fEvaluate local and state laws that affect business owners in Maryland.not taught
    3.2.2.bAnalyze government services that are affected by economic development.not taught
    3.2.2.cUse economic and population data to see how economic development affects where people live, work and play.not taught
    3.2.3.cExplain how people have changed their environment while developing economic centers.not taught
    3.2.3.dCompare how different communities view the natural environment.not taught
    3.2.3.eDraw conclusions about the good and bad effects of human-caused change to the physical environment.not taught
    3.3.1.cEvaluate how people and institutions made rules that supported freedom and equality for some people but restricted it for others.not taught