Perfect Squares and Cubes

This activity is to introduce perfect squares and cubes. The idea behind it is to have students discover why these numbers are called perfect squares and cubes. The activity should be done in groups to encourage discussion. The idea behind the activity is to use squares to represent numbers. One would be represented with 1 square, 2 would be represented with 2 squares, and so on and so on. Numbers can be either lines, rectangles or squares. Prime numbers will be lines and perfect squares will be squares. All other numbers will be rectangles. Give each group a pile of 20 squares. Get them to make each number between 1 and 20 using squares, and write down if it's a line, square or rectangle. This can start a discussion on what perfect squares and cubes are, and how to find them. Attached is an example answer key with all the squares drawn out.