Day 13 · Squares belong in two conversationsYear 6 Maths · T1 W3–4 · Day 13 lesson

Code: AC9M6N02. Goal: locate square numbers in a factor grid and state when they are composite. Prepare: square-and-factor strip or tactile cards.

1. Launch · 2 min. Show 1 × 1, 3 × 3, 7 × 7; learners predict their totals.
2. Model · 5 min. Fill 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49 as squares of 1–7. Explain 49 as 7 × 7 and composite since factors include 1, 7, 49. State the exception: 1 is square but neither prime nor composite.
3. Guided · 6 min. Investigate 36 with 6 × 6 and another array 4 × 9; use two routes to justify both labels. Sort 9 and 17; 9 is square/composite, 17 prime/not square. A learner may speak equations instead of moving small counters.
4. Choice · 6 min. D13-A/B/C: square mosaic, factor-card sort or a careful reply to “all squares are prime”.
5. Exit · 4 min. “Can a positive square greater than 1 be prime?” No: n × n gives a factor n between 1 and n². Ask for 25 or 49 as an example.
6. Note · 2 min. Keep evidence for square property and prime/composite property separately; reteach the exception with 1 if necessary.

Home/extension: Draw 4×4 and 5×5 on grid paper. Extension: compare consecutive squares 25 and 36 using visible border growth; no general algebra rule is required here.