| Title: |
Let's Make a Number System! |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Connor Desai |
| Source: |
Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12. 2026 119(1):43-50. |
| Availability: |
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: publicationsdept@nctm.org; Web site: https://pubs.nctm.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
8 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: |
Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Middle School Mathematics; Game Based Learning; Gamification; Number Systems; Mathematics; History; Creativity; Group Activities; Cooperative Learning; Mathematics Education; Innovation; Verbal Communication |
| DOI: |
10.5951/MTLT.2025.0090 |
| ISSN: |
0025-5769; 2330-0582 |
| Abstract: |
Many students (and adults) have never considered the origins of the number system. The system used now is layered with contributions from many cultures. The author, a middle school mathematics teacher, came to realize that this humanizing fact of the number system is a powerful catalyst for fostering belonging in the mathematics classroom. This article describes an activity where students simulate the evolution of the number system, fostering creativity, iterative problem-solving, and appreciation for the base-10 system. |
| Abstractor: |
ERIC |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1493428 |
| Database: |
ERIC |