Learn about Even Odd and Prime Numbers with Gummy Bears

Prime Factoring with Gummy Bears

Activity 1: Even and Odd Gummy Bear Sort (Young Children)

Objective:

To understand and differentiate between even and odd numbers using gummy bears.

Materials:

  • A bag of gummy bears.
  • Two colored bowls or plates (one labeled “Even” and the other “Odd”).
  • A simple chart with numbers 1-10.

Instructions:

  1. Introduction: Explain that even numbers can be divided into two equal rows with no leftovers, while odd numbers can’t be divided in to two equal rows.
  2. Sorting Game: Give each child a handful of gummy bears and the chart with numbers 1-10.
  3. Counting and Placing:
    • Children count out gummy bears to match each number on the chart.
    • They try to divide them into two equal rows.
    • If the gummy bears can be divided into two equal rows, write the number on the “Even” list.
    • If the gummy bears can be divided into two equal rows, write the number on the “Odd” list.
  4. Visualization:
    • As they sort, have them lay out the gummy bears below each number on the chart, reinforcing the visual difference between even and odd.
  5. Discussion: After sorting, discuss which numbers are on each list and why.

Prime Number Gummy Bear Rows (Older Kids)

Objective:

To understand factors and divisibility by arranging gummy bears into rows, using colors to represent the smallest number of equal rows possible for each number.

Materials:

  • Gummy bears in various colors.
  • Work mats or large sheets of paper for arranging gummy bears.
  • A poster or a printed Venn diagram for recording numbers beyond 10.

Instructions:

  1. Understanding Factors:
    • Begin with a conversation about what factors are and how to find them by creating equal rows of items, such as gummy bears.
  2. Creating Equal Rows:
    • Give each child a handful of gummy bears.
    • Ask them to choose a number between 2 and 10 and arrange their gummy bears into the smallest number of equal rows possible.
    • If two rows aren’t possible, they should create the fewest equal rows they can.
    • For each set of rows, they use a different color to represent that factor pair.
    • Prime Factoring with Gummy Bears
  3. Introducing Prime Colors:
    • If a child finds that a number can only be arranged in one row of itself, they should use a unique color to signify that the number is prime.
    • This helps to visually differentiate prime numbers from other numbers.
  4. Documenting on Paper:
    • As children arrange their gummy bears, they should draw the arrangements on their work mat or paper.
    • They can label each arrangement with the number and the rows they made (e.g., “6: 2 rows of 3” in red, “6: 3 rows of 2” in blue).
  5. Transition to Venn Diagram:
    • Once the children understand the concept with numbers up to 10, introduce the Venn diagram.
    • Explain how each circle represents a set of multiples for a prime number.
    • Have the children write numbers beyond 10 in the appropriate sections of the diagram based on the gummy bear rows they could create.
    • 5 way venn diagram for prime factors, some labeling
  6. Reflection and Group Discussion:
    • Discuss the patterns that were observed during the activity.
    • Talk about how the different colors helped them identify the number of rows and factor pairs.
    • Why don’t some numbers fit on the diagram?
  7. Extended Learning:
    • Challenge the children to use the Venn diagram to predict the smallest number of rows possible for numbers beyond 10.
    • They can then test their predictions with the gummy bears.

This revised activity is tailored for older children to grasp the concept of factors, prime numbers, and divisibility in a visual and tactile manner. Using gummy bears and color-coding, children can actively engage with the material and better understand these foundational mathematical concepts.