9, for instance, makes a 3x3 square and a 9x1 rectangle. Students who are members of the 'Secret Square Society' know and can give me upon my asking a 'square number'. They will know that certain numbers can be made into more than one rectangle. Children enjoy being in on the secret - and the game doesn't end until everyone gets into the Secret Square Society . I point out to teachers that the numbers that do not make a rectangle or a square on the grid are prime numbers.
Square grids make math artful.
Students can make designs with squares that become letters of the alphabet, pictures, regular repeat patterns, original designs for needlepoint, and much more. Students who are more visual than verbal may find these experiences especially meaningful.