Prime and Composite Numbers Game

So, we've started implementing the Common Core Curriculum this year and sometimes I feel like I have no idea what I am teaching (anybody else feel that way?) In my head, I'm going, "what is that again?" Well I had one of those moments last week as I was planning my math lesson on prime and composite numbers. Gosh, I hadn't really thought about those terms since high school. And they aren't in the students' math textbooks...so...I did a little research online and then I jumped into the concept with my students. 

They've really done a great job with this skill, and I'm impressed how quickly they have picked it up. I try to do some type of game with my students for each math skill or topic we cover so that they can practice the skill in a fun way. That also gives me a chance to work in small groups or one on one with students that may need extra help. So, I created a Factors Composite Number Game to help students review factors and create composite numbers.

How to play: Students work in pairs. Each student needs a recording sheet and a pencil, and each pair needs a set of playing cards. Students take turns picking two cards each round. They record their two cards on their recording sheet, and then they create a number using the cards. Students can put the cards together to create a number, add the cards, subtract the cards, multiply the cards, or divide the cards. For example, if I picked a 7 and a 9, I could make the number 79, 97, 16, 2, or 63. Then, once the students have created their numbers, they list all the factors for that number. Whoever has the most factors, wins! Whichever student wins the most rounds, wins the game! 

I like this game because students have to really think about the factors of each number. They have to form composite numbers that have many factors. 

I have included the game recording sheet and also a worksheet to assess this skill. I hope these are useful for you and your students! Please let me know if you have any other fun ways to teach factors, prime and composite numbers or any math games you want to share. 

Speaking of sharing, I want to give a shout out to our good friend, Jessica, over at Ideas by Jivey! She has just entered the blogging world, and we are so excited for her! Please stop by her blog and say hi. :) And she's offering a giveaway!!!

Have a great day! 2 more days till the weekend! Yay!

-Stacia  :)