MATHEMATICS LESSON

 

 

Topic:   The Egyptian Numeral Symbols

Focus:   Original base 10 numeral system

 

Lesson Objectives:  

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• Students will be able to identify the Egyptian symbols used in the base 10 system. 

• This lesson may serve as an introduction to the use of algebraic and geometric symbols. 

 

 Student Handouts:

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• Egyptian Symbols Worksheet 

• Egyptian Symbols Handout (Digits and Numbers)

 

 State Standards:

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• Use arithmetic and geometric sequences (LA/E. B)

 

 Teacher Directions: 

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      The teacher will discuss how symbols are used to represent items today.  Examples can be the “swoosh" for Nike, the Google “G", etc.  The students can be asked to give examples of symbols and their associations.  At the completion of the discussion, the teacher will provide students with the Egyptian Symbols Worksheet. Students will be instructed to label each symbol. 

 

 Guided Practice: 

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• Students will label their symbols individually.

• Turn and Talk/Partner-up:  Students will turn to their neighbor or partner and discuss their labels. (What their symbol is and why)

 

 Whole Group Discussion/Wrap Up: 

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• Students may volunteer to share their symbols.  Student answers may be discussed.

• Students will be given the Digits and Numbers handout.

• Students will check their labels and make corrections as needed.

• Question/Answer discussion  

 

 

Assessment:

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• Students will cite the similarities of the African Base 10 System with the present Base 10 System.

• Students will reflect on the importance of knowing the African origin of the base 10 system.

• Students may be assigned 25 participation points, as appropriate, for their participation in the whole group discussion.