Think Like an Ancient Egyptian
Abstract
We share a lesson designed to motivate an understanding of unit fractions, equivalent fractions, and equal shares via “thinking” like an Ancient Egyptian. The context of Ancient Egyptians provided novel context to help students make sense of fractions. Through their work with fraction tiles and by writing fractions in hieroglyphs, students grappled with multiple representations.References
Allen, K., & Bolte, M. (2012). Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. New York, NY: Capstone Press.
Cramer, K., Wyberg, T., & Leavitt, S. (2008). The role of representations in fraction addition and subtraction. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, 13(8), 490–496.
Fauvel, J. (1991). Using history in mathematics education. For the Learning of Mathematics, 11(2), 3–6.
Fosnot, C. (2007). Investigating fractions, decimals and percents: Grades 4-6. Porstmouth, NH: Firsthand Heinemann.
Gillings, R. J. (1972). Mathematics in the time of the pharaohs. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Katz, V. L. (1998). A history of mathematics: An introduction. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, Longman.
Lewinter, M., & Widulski, W. (2001). The saga of mathematics: A brief history. United States: Prentice Hall.
McLean, D. L. (2002). Honoring traditions: Making connections with mathematics through culture. Teaching Children Mathematics, 9(3), 184–488.
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Council of Chief State School Officers. (2010). Common Core State Standards Mathematics. Washington, DC: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers.
Percival, I. (2003). Time-travel days: Cross-curricular adventures in mathematics. Teaching Children Mathematics, 9(7), 374.
Smith, M., & Stein, M. K. (2011). 5 practices for orchestrating productive mathematics discussions. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Wilson, P. H., Edgington, C. P., Nguyen, K. H., Pescosolido, R. C., & Confrey, J. (2011). Fractions: How to share fair. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, 17(4), 230–236.
Principles to action: Ensuring mathematical success for all. (2014). Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2018 Lara k Dick