Peace by Numbers

A WebQuest for Middle School Mathematics Students

Designed by Erin Shockley

 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction

It is the year 2055 and World War III has just ended.  In hopes of encouraging unity and preventing future war and terrorism, the United Nations has decided to create a common system of communication for the entire world.  Because of your superior math skills, you have been chosen to be on the team responsible for forming a new number system. 

Each of your team members will be an expert in the area of one existing number system.  You will have to combine your knowledge to create a new system.  Keep in mind that this system must be completely original so as not to create discord among the different cultures around the world.

Task

The main question you need to think about is:

·          What are the characteristics of existing number systems?

By following the instructions in the Process section, you will:    

  • Prepare for your meeting:  You will use a set of given websites to research and become an expert on one existing number system.
  • Collaborate with a team of experts:  Share the knowledge you have gained about your number system with the other team members.
  • Develop your own number system:  Act as a team to devise a completely new number system to be used by the entire world.
  • Present your system:  Create a presentation using your choice of visual aids (ex. PowerPoint, posters, overhead sheets, handouts, etc.) to share your new number system with the council of the United Nations.

Process

Part 1:  Prepare for your meeting

·          You will be assigned to a group of three people.  Among yourselves, you must decide which number system each member will research. 

·          Once you have your role, go to each of the four websites listed under the heading of your number system below.  Make sure you take notes on the characteristics of your number system.

·          Arabic number system  

·          Arabic numerals

·          Hindu-Arabic numerals

·          Islamic history in Arabia and Middle East

·          Base 10 number system (make sure you check out the links at the bottom of the page)

·          Chinese number system                     

·          Chinese numerals

·          Chinese numbers

·          Chinese number system

·          Chinese numeration system

·          Roman number system    I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX

·          Roman numeral

·          Roman numerals

·          Roman numerals history and use

·          Math forum: Roman numerals

·          Create a one-page, double-spaced summary of your number system.  Try to answer questions like:

·          When was the number system invented?

·          What is its base (ex. we use a base-10 system)?

·          Are there shorthand symbols for large numbers of importance like 100 and 1,000, or are these numbers a composite of smaller numbers (like in our number system)?

·          What is the history of the number system?

·          What are some advantages?  Disadvantages?

 

Part 2:  Collaborate with a team of experts

·          Come together with the other members of your group and share with them what you found out about your number system.  Be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

 

Part 3:  Develop your own number system

·          Work together to create a set of symbols for your new number system, and name each symbol.  Make sure they are practical and easily reproduced so that your number system catches on quickly.

·          How will you form larger numbers?  Will they be a composite of smaller digits, or will you have shorthand symbols for some larger numbers?

 

Part 4:  Present your system

·          Ensure that every member of your group is contributing to the project.  Each member must speak on at least one topic during the presentation.

·          Decide on a visual aid that you will use for your presentation, and get it approved by your teacher.  Your visual aid must include:

·          The symbol and name you have created for each of the basic digits.

·          A visual representation of that digit (ex. a cluster of dots to show what number that digit represents).

·          Representations for the numbers 100, 1,000, 10,000, 100,000, and 1,000,000.

·          Create a persuasive argument for your number system.  Consider points such as:

·          Fairness to all cultures

·          Ease of use (including counting rules and reproduction of symbols)

·          Any other explanations or justifications of your system.

Evaluation

Your grade for the WebQuest will be based on both individual (your paper and participation) and group (visual aids and presentation) components, according to the rubric below.

 

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Exemplary

4

Score

 

Individual Research: Was the paper complete and accurate?

 

Incomplete research with few facts, demonstrates little understanding, many grammar and spelling mistakes.

Some research apparent, but little reflection on facts, some grammar and spelling mistakes.

Thorough research with many supporting facts, some understanding apparent, few grammar and spelling errors.

Demonstrates a high level of research and understanding, few to no grammar and spelling mistakes.

 

 

Individual Participation:  Did you contribute to the project and work well with other team members?

 

Participated in only part of the WebQuest, was uncooperative with group members.

Participated in most of the project, got along with group members most of the time.

Participated in all aspects of the project, worked cooperatively with team members.

Actively participated in all parts of the WebQuest, encouraged and helped other members as needed.

 

 

Group Visual Aids:  Were the visual aids neat and colorful, and did they contain the 3 requirements listed in the Process section?

 

Displays 0 or 1 components, messy and uninformative.

Displays at least 1 or 2 components, somewhat neat.

Neatly displays at least 2 requirements, informative.

Neatly and informatively displays all 3 requirements.

 

 

Group Presentation:  Did all members participate in giving a clear explanation of the system, and was the argument persuasive?

At least 1 member spoke, the explanation was unclear and incomplete, argument was not persuasive.

At least one member spoke, the explanation was complete, but the argument was not extremely persuasive.

At least 2 members spoke and persuasively explained the number system.

All members spoke, the explanation was clear, the argument was persuasive.

 

Conclusion

To complete this project, you researched an existing number system, learning about how numbers are represented in different cultures throughout the world.  By applying this knowledge to create your own number system, you were able to realize the complexity of numbers.  Although sometimes the rules of numbers are overwhelming, they are necessary to promote harmony and understanding in the world of mathematics.  With only a few symbols, we can represent an infinite amount of numbers!

 

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page