Build An Ancient Calculator - Abacus Kit

Name: Build An Ancient Calculator - Abacus Kit
Brand: Xplorably
SKU: Xp22010

$4.00

Make math exciting with our Abacus Kit, a hands-on learning activity that kids will love! This kit allows children to create their own colorful abacus, providing a fun way to practice basic math skills. The abacus is not only a learning tool but also an interactive tool that can be easily taken apart and put back together, allowing for endless learning opportunities.

The abacus comes with three different colored beads, with 10 beads of each color for a total of 30 beads. Kids can use these colorful beads to create patterns and count in groups, such as 2s or 5s, making math even more enjoyable and engaging.

Quantity

Grades 1-3
30 beads (3 different colors - 10 of each color)

Craft sticks

Wooden dowels

End caps

Video - step by step assembly instructions

Printable - activity plan

Printable - abacus challenge sheets
This kit includes a printable abacus activity plan that includes the following:

The Big Idea: Counting devices

History of the abacus

Key Concepts:

Abacus

Counting

Mesopotamia

Activity Challenge

Video - step by step assembly instructions
STEAM Subject Areas Covered:

Subject Areas:

Math

Skills:

Basic counting

Simple addition and subtraction

Skip counting

Basic multiplication

Designs and patterns

Common Core:

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Operations & Algebraic Thinking - Work with addition and subtraction equations

Operations & Algebraic Thinking - Add and subtract within 20

Operations & Algebraic Thinking - Understand and apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction
Abacus History Overview

The earliest counting device was the human hand and its fingers, capable of counting up to 10 things. As larger quantities were counted, natural objects like pebbles, sea shells and twigs were used to keep count. Until numbers were invented, counting devices were used to calculate. The abacus is one of many counting devices invented to help count large numbers. Abacus is a Latin word that has its origins in the Greek words abax or abakon (meaning “tablet”).

Videos:

Learning Numbers 1 To 19 On Abacus by Periwinkle (grade 1)

Subtract on the Abacus by Periwinkle (grade 1)

The History of Math by TeacherTube Math

Music:

5 Smiles by Steve Songs (preschool)

Other Related Links:

Numbers and Counting by PBS.org (preschool)