Breaking the Code: Mayan Math

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This is a lesson plan for an activity in which learners, playing the role of archeologists, use math concepts about number bases to decipher the Dresden Codex, an ancient Mayan document. The lesson provides learners with historical background and exposure to how archeologists figure out what ancient documents mean. It also helps learners compare Mayan number systems (base 5) and modern number systems (base 10). It then leads them step-by-step through a series of activies to help break the code, with stopping points to discuss and investigate different ideas. In order to do this activity, learners should understand place value and number bases. Recommended for grade 5 and up.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
2 to 4 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Days
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
    • Number and Operations
      • Number Systems
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • The Nature of Science

Informal Categories

  • Historical Reenactment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights: