The Maya Math WebQuest:

In this WebQuest, you and your partner will explore Maya number representation, including their symbols and base 20 notation.  After learning about the history of decoding their ancient written language, you will apply what you've learned to decipher a page from the Dresden Codex, one of the few Maya books still in existence.  By thinking like an archaeologist, you’ll combine your mathematical abilities with some basic logic and trial-and-error investigation to figure out what the codex means. In the course of your explorations, you’ll discover:

 

• How archaeologists have figured out what Mayan documents mean
• How the Maya system of counting is like ours, and how it is different
• How Maya beliefs were tied to their understanding of mathematics

 

How to Proceed:

• You can do this activity on your own, but it’s much easier (and more fun) to work with others in a small group of 3 or 4
• In order to do this activity, you need to understand place value and number bases

 

Time Needed:

• About 3 hours

 

Materials Needed:
• This WebQuest

• Handout showing an image of a selected part of the Dresden Codex
• Calculator (optional, but recommended)