Multiplication and Division (1) - Prime Numbers - Planning

In an engaging lesson tailored for Year 5 students, the concept of prime numbers is explored through a variety of activities. The lesson begins with a review of factors, where students apply their understanding to identify numbers that have only two factors: the number itself and one. They use counters to explore the factors of specific numbers such as 5, 13, 17, and 23, discovering that these numbers are prime because they only form arrays with a single column or row. As the lesson progresses, the students learn to distinguish between prime and composite numbers, the latter having more than two factors and appearing in multiple times tables. They are encouraged to think of examples of both and to prove their suggestions by sorting a series of numbers into a table, solidifying their understanding of these fundamental mathematical concepts.

Group work and independent learning activities further reinforce the day's learning objectives, with differentiated worksheets allowing students to engage at varying levels of complexity. Through these exercises, students practice their times table recall, division, and factor identification skills. Key questions prompt them to consider the number of factors for each number and the definitions of prime and composite numbers. The lesson aims to clear up common misconceptions, ensuring that students can accurately identify prime numbers, which have exactly two factors, and composite numbers, which have more. The plenary session involves a reflective 'Give me five' activity where students assess their learning, the skills they've used, and what they found challenging, ensuring they remember the key points from the lesson. Differentiated tasks cater to students working towards expected levels and those ready for greater depth, challenging them to sort numbers and provide detailed explanations of prime and composite numbers.