Mathematics Overview Students identify factor pairs of whole numbers and use patterns in the factor pairs to identify prime and composite numbers. Then place the cubes on the appropriate numbers. As pairs finish their towers, ask them to design a recording system to show which cubes ended up on each number and then record their findings. Have students write everything they know about prime numbers and about composite numbers. Students can write their own questions concerning observations they have made about the towers, trade their questions with other students, and answer them.
Students can write statements concerning prime numbers, composite numbers, or patterns of factors.
Students can design another recording system for reporting their results. Students can build towers for numbers greater than 100. Students can predict which numbers will have tall or short towers and test their predictions.