Skip Navigation

Math 4 - Act. 02: Square Numbers

Summary

Students will use square tiles to help them understand the concept of square numbers.


Materials

  • square tiles
  • Square Facts Worksheet
  • crayons
  • Sea Squares, by Joy N. Hulme. 2001 (Buena Vista Books, Inc.)


Background for Teachers

A squared number is a number that is a result of multiplying an integer by itself. Any squared number of counters can be arranged in a square array. You can write each squared number as a product using an exponent.

42 = 16

“Four squared equals sixteen, or four to the second power equals sixteen.”


Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a positive learning attitude toward mathematics.
2. Become mathematical problem solvers.
3. Reason mathematically.
4. Communicate mathematically.
5. Make mathematical connections.
6. Represent mathematical situations.


Instructional Procedures

Invitation to Learn
Read the book Sea Squares. Ask: “What are squared numbers?”

Instructional Procedures

  1. Have students use square tiles to build a 1 x 1 square, 2 x 2 square, 3 x 3 square, etc.
  2. Record the total number of cubes added to make each new square, perimeter, and total squares.
  3. Have students look for patterns and record them on a chart. (For example, students may describe patterns they see in the “growing squares,” such as the fact that new squares add change in a predictable way–it increases by the next odd number with each new square.)


Extensions

Possible Extensions/Adaptations/Integration
Color in the square numbers on a multiplication chart. Look for patterns (e.g., the square numbers are on a diagonal, the square numbers increase by 2 each time, etc.) Use the calculator to further explore square numbers.

Homework &Family Connections
Ask students to look for arrays at home and record them. Which arrays form a perfect square? Some students may want to bring in arrays to show the class.


Assessment Plan

Journal: Have students explain what square numbers are. Use pictures, words and numbers to explain what 52 is.


Created: 08/29/2003
Updated: 02/05/2018
22159
/>