Prime Numbers, Factors, and Secret Codes

Prime Numbers, Factors, and Secret Codes

Course overview

This enrichment course helps Grade 6 students move from prime and composite number sense into factorization, divisibility patterns, and simple code-thinking with repeated number cycles. Students learn to spot factor structure, break numbers into prime parts, and notice how modular patterns can support basic secret-code ideas.

What students will learn

• Identify prime and composite numbers by counting factors.
• Use factor pairs and prime factorization to rebuild numbers.
• Notice divisibility patterns that speed up number checking.
• Understand wrap-around number patterns as modular arithmetic.
• Connect remainder patterns to simple secret-code thinking.

Lessons

• Prime and Composite Numbers - Learn how to tell prime numbers from composite numbers by looking at their factors.
• Factor Pairs and Prime Factorization - Learn how to break numbers apart until only prime factors remain.
• Divisibility Patterns and Secret Codes - Learn how patterns, remainders, and wrap-around counting can support simple code thinking.

Parent guide

Keep the work concrete. Ask the student to explain why a number is prime or composite, list factor pairs aloud, and describe the pattern before they move on to code-like examples.

Completion

A student finishes this course when they can identify prime and composite numbers, build a prime factorization, and explain how repeating number patterns can help with simple secret-code thinking.