Project 1: A Journey Through Historic Numeration Systems

In this project, you will explore and analyze various historical numeration systems to understand how civilizations developed number representations and used them in trade, science, and culture. You will then connect these ancient systems to foundational math concepts relevant to elementary education.

Historical Topics – Choose one topic below to focus your research and instructional design:

1. Egyptian Numerals Hieroglyphic and hieratic
2. Babylonian Numerals Base-60 system
3. Mayan Numerals Base-20 (vigesimal) system
4. Roman Numerals Additive and subtractive notations
5. Chinese Rod Numerals Positional system
6. Greek Numerals Attic and alphabetic systems
7. Indian Numerals Origins of zero and place value
8. Arabic Numerals Spread and standardization
9. Incan Quipu Tactile and non-written systems

Project Components – Your project must contain the five components indicated below.

1. Research Report or Presentation

Choose one of the following formats: Written Report (500-750 words), Narrated Video (5-7 minutes), or Slideshow (57 minutes).

Your report, video, or slideshow must contain:

• Historical background of the system
• How numbers are represented and structured
• Comparison to modern place value and base-10
• Cultural/scientific uses and contributions
• Visual examples (symbols, diagrams, artifacts)

2. Numeration System Conversion Table

Create a conversion table showing how numbers 1 to 100 would be written in the selected system. Include:

• Visual representations or digital equivalents
• Notes explaining unusual patterns, rules, or exceptions

3. Teaching Application

Write 250-500 words describing how this numeration system (or parts of it) could be introduced in an elementary classroom. Include:

• Grade level and standards alignment (if applicable)
• A simple hands-on or visual activity
• Explanation of what students would learn

4. Reflection Essay

Write 250 words reflecting on your personal experience. Address:

• What you learned about numbers and their history
• Challenges in interpreting or researching the system
• How this changed your perspective on teaching math

5. Bibliography and Citations

Minimum of 4 reputable sources, including at least one academic source or historical reference.

Suggested Milestones

To help pace the project, it is advised to complete the following by the end of:

• Topic 1: Topic selection and gather sources
• Topic 2: Draft of conversion table and report or presentation
• Topic 3: Final submission (all components)

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance

Web links below here to be used.

https://halo.gcu.edu/resource/7e8c034a-0a0c-487d-a791-e1b190fef9a7?nestedResourceId=8ef5cd5e-35ae-4c46-bdb7-957e1442ecc4

https://naturalhistory.si.edu/

https://www.khanacademy.org/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize