Max Maths, Year 6, Try it, How the number system developed

In the 'Max Maths' Year 6 curriculum, students are encouraged to explore the fascinating evolution of the number system through a hands-on activity titled 'Let's Try It'. This activity invites pupils to broaden their mathematical and cultural horizons by comparing how numbers are represented in various scripts. The task involves filling out a table with the numbers 13, 35, 56, 68, and 82 in scripts such as Hindu-Arabic, Arabic, Bengali, and Cantonese. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to contribute to the 'Other' column by writing these numbers in a script they are familiar with, but which is not listed in the table.

The interactive element of the exercise extends beyond pen and paper, as students work in groups to engage with a 100 square written in a script unfamiliar to them. The square is cut up into pieces to create a jigsaw puzzle, which they then exchange with another group to see if they can reassemble it correctly. This activity not only challenges their problem-solving skills but also introduces them to new numerical systems in a fun and engaging way. Furthermore, the lesson encourages the use of digital resources, as students are tasked with using the internet to learn how to count to ten in a language they do not normally speak, deepening their understanding of global numerical and linguistic diversity.