Building blocks of mathematical knowledge in year 5

This week in maths, our class traded in their pencils for multilink cubes to dive into the fascinating world of square numbers and cube numbers. 

A square number is the result of multiplying a whole number by itself. For example, 3 x 3 = 9. 

We call them "square" numbers because when you build them with multilink cubes, they form a perfect, flat square!

A cube number is the result of multiplying a whole number by itself three times. For example, 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 

'It was interesting that we build the numbers with the cubes. It helped me to understand.' - Isabella 

Using the multilink cubes turns a tricky mathematical concept into a physical experience. The children are constructing knowledge. They can see, count, and feel the difference between a square number (a flat, 2D area) and a cube number (a solid, 3D volume).

It’s been a fun and insightful lesson — our class is officially mastering the 'building blocks' of maths!