Introduction

Ms. Jones's eighth grade students asked her who invented mathematics.  She is very busy with end of the semester responsibilities and isn't sure she will have enough time to find the information for her students.  She would like you to help her out.  She would like you to research two ancient cultures and compare the mathematics they used. 
 
 

The Task

You and a partner will need to complete the activities below; 
 
 

• learn about two ancient cultures (Babylonians and Egyptians); 

• learn about the mathematical contributions made by each of the cultures; 

• learn about the mathematical symbolism used by the ancient cultures; 

• compare the mathematics used by the two cultures; 

• prepare a poster describing the cultures as well as comparing  them; 

The Process

You will work with a partner.  One of you will research the Babylonians and one of you will research the Egyptians.  You and your partner will need to decide who will research which group.

While you research each group, keep in mind the following questions.  They will help you compare and contrast the two groups of people.

If you are researching the Babylonians, use these resource.

1.    Click on Babylonians 1
2.    Click on Babylonians 2
3.    Click on Babylonians 3
4.    Click on Babylonians 4
5.    Click on Babylonians 5

If you are researching the Egyptians, use these resources. 

1. Click on Egyptians 1
2.  Click on Egyptians 2
3.  Click on Egyptians 3
4.  Click on Egyptians 4
5.  Click on Egyptians 5

After you research the mathematics used by your group of people,   meet   with  your partner.  Be ready to discuss the questions   listed above.   You may  want to use a Venn Diagram to help organize   your information.     Ask your teacher for a Venn Diagram form. 

With your partner, list the similarities and differences between the mathematics used by each group.  Make sure you state specific examples.   With your partner, design a poster that shows the mathematics used by each group and also answers the questions listed above.  Your poster is not limited to just the four questions listed.  Be creative and include more information that will help compare and contrast the two cultures.

Evaluation

Your poster and group work will be evaluated based on the following:

 

	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Individual Participation	Did little to participate in group discussion/work.	Participated in group discussion/work.	Led group discussion with ideas and cooperation.
	3 point	7 points	10 points
Poster Content	Poster did not clearly explain each persons findings.  There was some inaccurate information. Answers a few of the presented questions.  Had no addition information.	Poster explained each persons findings.  There was minimal amount of inaccurate information.  Answered all of the presented questions.  Had not additional information.	Poster clearly explained each persons findings.  There was no inaccurate   information. All presented questions were answered and additional information   was included.
	7 points	12 points	20 points
Poster Appearance	Poster was complete but was not neatly prepared.  Information was present but was difficult to locate. There was no creativity displayed on the poster.	Poster was complete and neatly prepared.  Information was present and easy to locate. There was a limited amount of creativity displayed on the poster.	Poster was complete and neatly prepared.  Information was present and extremely easy to locate.  The poster displayed a great deal of creativity.
	3 points	7 points	10 points

Total points for project: 40.

40 - 36 = A     35 - 32 = B    31 - 28 = C    27  - 24 =  D    23 or below = F
Conclusion 

You have learned about the contributions two historical groups made to mathematics.  While the math has changed a little, they made a huge contribution to the math we use every day. 

Credits &  References

Idea for this WebQuest  was found in Larsons, Kanold, Stiff Alternate Assessment Algebra I   book.