Ethnomathematics: A Multicultural View of Mathematical Ideas in Ancient Africa

Ethnomathematics is the study of mathematics that considers the culture in which those mathematics arise. Ethnomathematicians typically take the view that any mathematics is an artefact of a particular culture. This study contributes to the understanding of cultures, but, reciprocally, to the understanding of mathematics.

Subjects which are studied in ethnomathematics include but are not limited to:

Numeral systems
Architecture
Weaving
Games of skill and chance, which fall under
Probability
Drawing and design (graph theory, set theory, Eulerian path)

Ethnomathematics is the study of mathematics that considers the culture in which those mathematics arise. Ethnomathematicians typically take the view that any mathematics is an artefact of a particular culture. This study contributes to the understanding of cultures, but, reciprocally, to the understanding of mathematics.  Subjects which will be studied in this class include: 

Day 1

-Weaving

Weaving is a fun and creative way to explore real mathematical ideas. Simple “mat” weaving offers a way to experience basic concepts in geometry and number theory, while encouraging the development of representation and modeling techniques– fundamental mathematical skills. Students will be given brief examples of how weaving has been used by many different cultures throughout history. 

Activity: " Nail Weaving" to practice weaving different patterns while using factoring knowledge (see supply list)

Day 2

-Roman Numerals

Did you know the number symbols we use every day came from Arabia and are called Arabic numerals? A different system however was used in ancient Rome. We call these symbols Roman numerals. In this class learners will learn :

-Brief history facts
-Modern use of Roman Numerals
-Discuss why it is important to learn them
-Introduction to the basic symbols
-Brief information about the Hindu-Arabic System
- Advantages and Disadvantages of the Hindu-Arabic System and the Roman Numeral System
-Rules for writing with Roman Numerals
- Exploring really big numbers in the Roman Numeral System

Day 3

-Ethiopian Multiplication 

Could you imagine a world without fractions, a world where you could throw away your times tables. Well there has been such a world in Ethiopia, where for thousands of years merchants use a strange yet very sophisticated system of multiplication to calculate the price of goods at markets through the Horn of African and in the middle East.

This week we will explore and practice simple 1-2 digit multiplication problems using this method 

Day 4
-Ancient Egypt and Math

The ancient Egyptians utilized a numeral system for counting and solving written mathematical problems, often involving multiplication and fractions. Evidence for Egyptian mathematics is limited to a scarce amount of surviving sources written on papyrus. In this section learners will review and learn multiplication, adding and subtracting fractions, and geometric shapes. 

Day 5- Fun Day (review and games)