Mayan Activity Number System
Mayan Number System activities explore the important role of number symbols as part of the Mayan Culture. In this inquiry-based, no prep lesson, students use cards with mayan numeral symbols to determine the way in which the mayan numeral system worked. The Mayan system was particularly remarkable for ancient cultures in part due to its use of zero. Students explore the use of a number base other than base 10. Additionally, students create their own numeric symbols and systems.
A great addition to your study of the Inca Aztec and Mayan.
This resource includes:
Complete teacher’s guide for a 90-minute lesson or 2 45-minute lessons
8 student handouts with complete directions for use in whole class, small groups, or at centers
A complete list of materials
An answer key
Detailed suggestions for extensions
Suggestions for how to use in a math or social studies classroom
Skills Developed in this lesson:
Students will use logic to identify glyphs of Mayan Numerals
Students will compare number systems.
Students will explain the Mayan number system
Students will create glyphs and a number system.
Not to be missed MesoAmerica resources include:
★ Aztec Inca and Maya the Mayan Glyphs and Writing System Station Activities
★ Aztecs Calendar, Writing and Ritual Station Activities for MesoAmerica Unit
★ Aztecs Comparative Timeline Activity for Interactive Notebooks
★ Aztecs Gallery Walk Activity for an Introduction to the Aztec Civilization
★ Aztecs Illustrated Timeline Collaborative Activity for Aztec Unit
★ Aztecs Social Class Cities and Government Station Activities
★ Inca Communication System 3 Activities and informational text
★ Inca Gallery Walk Activity for an Introduction to the Incan Civilization
★ Maya Inca Aztecs 20+ Digital Interactive Notebook organizers for Google Drive
★ Maya Inca Aztecs Interactive Notebook Graphic organizers
★ Mayan Civilization Government and Laws of the Maya Student-Created Gallery Walk
★ Mayan Culture and Number System Inquiry Based Center Activities
Ways to Save: MesoAmerica Teacher Resource Bundle on the Maya Aztec and Inca
What teachers say about this Maya Activity:
The kids had so much FUN with this activity. They were asking for more Mayan math and even wanted to make up their own math problems!
Fantastic extension activity! My students were really into it.
My students had to be critical thinkers to figure out the number system and we watched a video to explain it too. Definitely a challenge.
Fun and puzzling for my 6th graders. They really enjoyed making their own number system.
A great resource for a cross-curricular activity!
My students and I LOVE Mayan Math! It's challenging but so much fun. I let my 5th graders use their dry erase markers on their desks to try to work through the problems and "level up" once they have worked through problems and are ready for more of a challenge.
This purchase is for one teacher only. This resource is not permitted to be shared with colleagues or by an entire subject or grade level, school, or district without purchasing the proper number of licenses. If you are interested in a site license, please contact me for a quote. This resource may not be uploaded to the internet in any form, including classroom/personal websites or network drives.
