Description
How it works
The first player claims a number and scores it. The opponent then covers every remaining factor of that number and scores their total — claim 15 and they take 1, 3 and 5 for 9 points. Then the roles swap. Claim a number with no uncovered factors left and your opponent scores nothing. Play until the board is full; highest total wins. Children discover on their own that primes late in the game are terrible choices and that 1 is worth almost nothing, which is real number theory arrived at through play.
What you’ll need
- The printable Factor Game board — 5×5 and 7×7 versions both included
- Counters
- Paper for scoring
Skills practiced
Factors and multiples, primes and composites, division facts, and strategic thinking.
Grade level
3rd through 6th grade. Use a 10×10 board with values to 100 for older students.
Instant PDF download. Game instructions and printable boards adapted from the ideas in Math Fact Fluency by Jennifer Bay-Williams and Gina Kling (ASCD / NCTM, 2019).
