Investigating Different Bases - Teaching the Mayan Number System

A Downloadable Guided Inquiry Lesson for Grades 6-12 - Great for Gifted or Math Clubs

This lesson can be inserted anywhere throughout the school year and is perfect for students in a gifted program.

It would also be great for those last days of the school year, when exams are over, but you want to do something purposeful.

Get your students thinking critically about place value and the base ten number system by comparing it to another system.

Start by introducing the Mayan Number System.  This system uses base 20 and is great to work with because the zero acts as a place holder, just like our own!

After introducing the lesson, group students into pairs and hand out the Number Cards and worksheets.

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Have students practice assembling two-digit and three-digit numbers using the cards.


The activity is great in pairs.  You will hear some awesome math talk about place value and digits.   It's so fun to see your students thinking more deeply about a fun new math idea. 

Extend the lesson by asking students to try another system.  Have them use base 8 (with standard numerals) to write numbers from 1 to 100. Click here to download the files for the Mayan Number System lesson.  Enjoy!

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