The first entry was a simple one for prime and composite numbers. I photocopied a hundred chart onto a longer rectangle so that the sides could fold together and meet in the middle. Under each of the flaps we wrote the definition for prime and composite numbers. We then colored our number chart to show the prime and composite numbers. We boxed the perfect squares and wrote a definition for perfect square under the sticky note (under the hundred chart).
Since we covered the numbers from 1 - 100, for the proof I asked them to identify the numbers from 101 - 120 as prime or composite. For the reflection I asked students to write about the relationship between prime and composite numbers. If you look at the student work below, you can see that this student seems like she didn't quite get the concept from looking at her journal. When I asked her about it, she realized she made a mistake when working quickly, and she should have written that some "odd" numbers are also composite. She also missed quite a few numbers in her proof. I had her go back and add to her work after our conference.
In case you missed it, I did a blog post this week with some fun lesson ideas for prime and composite numbers. You can read about it below or click HERE.
Our next entry was on prime factorization. For this one we decorated our page to look like a tree (to help them remember to use factor trees for prime factorization). For our examples I wanted to use the same number twice to show students that it didn't matter what set of factors they started with, the prime factors will be the same in the end. We also included a definition for prime factor on the page.
For the proof I asked students to find the prime factors of two different numbers. As they were making their factor trees, I heard students remarking that factor trees reminded them of a Christmas Tree. (LOVE this - so much so that I might rearrange the order I teach my math units so that this unit falls before Christmas). Another student said he'll remember prime factors because of Optimus Prime - because the factor tree reminded him of opening up a transformer. :) I was loving their discussion so much I told them what they were already doing was reflecting on the lesson. So, for the reflection today I left it open for them - they could show their learning in any way they wanted.
I do have a copy of the factors and multiples quiz I use near the end of this unit available for FREE at my TPT store. Click HERE to download a copy.
Happy Sunday!!!
Jen
