This resource provides students with the opportunity to identify and describe the properties of square numbers in an easy-to-play game format.

This 2-player game requires students to create square number arrays on their own printable gameboard. Players take turns to roll two 6-sided dice. They must add the numbers, and then multiply the total by itself to give a square number. They must represent this square number on their board by colouring in a square array. For example:

• Rolling a 2 and a 3 would make 5² or 5x5 = 25
• Rolling a 4 and a 6 would make 10² or 10x10 = 100

Ensure that students understand that arrays are not allowed to overlap. It is recommended that students record each equation on their array, as this will help them consolidate their understanding of square numbers. The winner of the game is the student with the least number of blank squares remaining on the gameboard.

For a quicker game, we suggest that students share a gameboard and use different colours to distinguish between the arrays. In this instance, the winner would be the player who covered the most squares!

When printing, it is advised to enlarge the gameboard to A3 paper. Students who require extension can use two 10-sided dice which will result in making square numbers up to 20².