Source Institutions
Source Institutions
Add to list Go to activity

Learners create an Incan counting device called a quipu (pronounced kee-poo). Similar to an abacus, a quipu is a series of strings tied together, with a complex set of knots tied in each string to represent different numbers. Learners create their own system of representation, choosing different colors of string to represent different things important in their lives. For example, they could use knots in the string to indicate how old the different people in their family are, or how many years they lived in each of the places they have been in their life. A decimal system can be used to represent numbers larger than 10. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 6 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- yarn in 6-8 colors, including black. 1 yard of each color
- scissors
- ruler
- Optional: masking tape
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Computing
- Information Systems
-
Technology
- Information and Communication
-
Computing
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Representation
-
Measurement
- Units of Measurement
-
Number and Operations
- Number Systems
- Representation
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Technology and History
-
The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
-
Technology and Society
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, OMSI, 2005
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation ESI, 0206403