Constructing prime number and prime factorization with realistic mathematics education: The case of 6th grade students

This research investigates the construction of prime number and prime factorization concepts through realistic mathematics education (RME). The research was conducted in a classroom setting with 6th grade students and was designed qualitatively as a case study. A readiness test was prepared to assess the students’ preliminary knowledge of these concepts. The teaching process was implemented using activities based on RME principles. Considering the test results, researcher observations, and teacher views, three participants with different knowledge levels were selected, and two interviews were conducted with each of them. The data obtained from the teaching process and interviews were analyzed according to the APOS (action-process-object-schema) theoretical framework. The results demonstrate that the participants conceptualize the prime number and prime factorization as objects. It has been determined that the coordination involving divisor, multiple, odd-even numbers, factor tree, divisibility rules, and algorithm processes plays a fundamental role in conceptualizing prime numbers and prime factorization.