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Factor Finder

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Subject: Math

Lesson Length: 30 - 40 mins

Topic: Operations & Algebraic Thinking- Factors pairs/ Prime or Composite Numbers

Grade Level: 4

Standards: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.B.4

Brief Description: In this lesson, students will learn about prime and composite numbers and their factors.

Know Before You Start:

  • This lesson is a great introduction to prime and composite numbers.
  • Pairs of dice will be needed.

Factor Finder - Exemplar comic, panel 1 Factor Finder - Exemplar comic, panel 2 Factor Finder - Exemplar comic, panel 3 Factor Finder - Exemplar comic, panel 4 Factor Finder - Exemplar comic, panel 5 Factor Finder - Exemplar comic, panel 6

Hook:

  • Read and discuss the sample comic.  What’s the difference between a prime and composite number? Is Maggie correct about the buses? 
  • Practice finding the factors of prime and composite numbers as a class.
  • Next, have students work in pairs, taking turns providing numbers for their partner to determine the factors of.  Is the number prime or composite?

Activity: It’s time to create Prime and Composite Number Comics. 

  • Give each student a pair of dice
  • Have them roll the dice to create a two digit number (one number from each die)
  • Students will now create a 4 frame comic
    • In the first frame, students will explain the difference between prime and composite numbers by providing a definition/explanation in their own words.
    • In each of the following comic frames, students will share the number they rolled, determine if it is prime or composite and provide the factors.
    • Students will repeat this process for 3 separate numbers.

Closure: Have students share their favorite frame with a partner.

Differentiation:

  • Provide definition of prime and composite numbers for students. 
  • Provide a prime and composite number chart. 
  • Provide sentence stem: ____ is a prime/composite number because _______. 
  • Allow students to work in pairs.
  • Allow students to use speech-to-text feature.

Resources: Comic to print or display: Comic 1.

Related Ideas

edited_2_analyze_patterns_and_relationships_of_ordered_pairs-001

Pattern Pair Play

Students will create a numerical pattern using a given rule and apply to generate ordered pairs. Students will explain the relationship between the numbers.