Students learn how to sort factors in this learning center that includes funny monster cards! 30 individual monster cards are labeled with a number. The top of the card also features the number arranged in an array. Students:

* Complete the worksheet that asks them to circle the number or monster that is labeled with a number in each row that doesn't belong. Numbers that don't belong don't have the same factor as the other number.

* Lay out the blank factor cards that are labeled with the numbers 2, 3, and 5.

* Choose a monster card from the pile and determine if it has a factor of 2, 3, or 5, then add it to the correct pile.

* Continue until all the cards have been sorted.

Detailed instructions are included to help students complete the center independently. For example, the instructions tell students to complete the worksheet if there is one, but they can skip that step if you choose not to include it. The directions also tell students that some cards can go into more than one factor pile. If that's the case, either choice is considered correct.

You can differentiate the learning center. The worksheet can be printed and filled out with a pencil and turned in, or you can laminate it, and students can write with a dry-erase marker. The directions also encourage students to think of other ways they can sort the cards besides using factors. This extends the activity for students who finish the center before time has run out.

This center enables students to see factors in action by matching them with number arrays, which will help them get ready for more complex math, like simplifying fractions.