6th Grade Math
Number Systems Research Project
Assignment
You will write a typed report with bibliography, visual display and oral presentation.
Your bibliography will include a minimum of one print source and one Internet source;
however, you will most likely use more than one source and are required to list all the
sources you use. Your presentation will be no more than 5 minutes in length.
Due Date: __________________
Part I:
Ancient Number System Research
You will be assigned one ancient civilization listed below and you will research the
number system used by the people of the time. The first part of your typed report will
include:
 Definition of numeral system (number system)
 The reason why the ancient civilization developed a number system and/or the
purpose of the number system.
 A description of the number system (including the symbols used for 1-20 and all
positive powers of 10 up to 100,000)
 An explanation of how the system works.
 One addition and one subtraction problem translated from Arabic to the ancient
system.
 The advantages AND disadvantages of the number system.
Egyptian
Roman
Indian
Babylonian
Mayan
Chinese
Due Date: _____________________
Greek
Hindu-Arabic
Part II:
Creation of a Number System
You will create your own number system. The second part of your typed report will
include:
 An explanation of what your inspiration was that lead you to the creation of your
number system.
 A description of your number system (including the symbols used for the numbers
1-20 and positive powers of 10 up to 100,000)
 An explanation of how your number system works.
 One addition and one subtraction problem translated from Arabic to your system.
 The advantages AND disadvantages of the number system.
Due Date: __________________
Part III:
You will compare and contrast the ancient number system you researched and your own
number system. The third part of your typed report will include:
 An explanation of how the two systems are similar and how they are different.
 Your opinion on which system makes the most sense and the reason(s) for your
opinion.
Due Date: __________________
Part IV:
You will create a visual display that will present the ancient number system you
researched AND the system you created. The visual display should include:
 The name of each system
 The symbols used for the numbers 1-20 as well as the positive powers of 10 up to
100,000 for the ancient system.
 The symbols used for the numbers 1-20 as well as the positive powers of 10 up to
100,000 for your system
 A brief description (explanation) of each system.
 An example of an addition or subtraction problem from the ancient system and
your system.
Due Date: __________________
Part V:
You will share your research and your number system with the class in a short oral
presentation. Your presentation should include:
 The names of both systems
 Purpose for the ancient system
 An explanation of what your inspiration was that lead tot the creation of your
number system.
 An explanation of how the systems are similar and different
 Advantages and disadvantages to both systems
Due Date: __________________