Outcome N6.6:

Demonstrate understanding of integers concretely, pictorially, and symbolically.

Indicators:

4. Represent integers concretely, pictorially, or physically.

8. Explain the role of zero within integers and how it is different from other integers.

Outcome N6.9:

Research and present how First Nations and Métis peoples, past and present, envision, represent, and use quantity in their lifestyles and worldviews.

Indicators:

1. Gather and document information regarding the significance and use of quantity for at least one First Nation or Métis peoples from a variety of sources such as Elders and traditional knowledge keepers.
   

3. Communicate to others concretely, pictorially, orally, visually, physically, and/or in writing, what has been learned about the envisioning, representing, and use of quantity by First Nations and Métis peoples and how these understandings parallel, differ from, and enhance one’s own mathematical understandings about numbers.
   

Single knot - loose

Single knot - tight

Long knot - 5 loops - loose

Long knot - 5 loops - tight

Figure eight knot - loose

Figure eight knot - tight

• Numbers are stored on the hanging cords with the units digit furthest from the main cord. The digits are recorded in evenly spaced clusters along the cord.
  • For digits other than the units digit, the clusters contain between zero and nine single knots to indicate the digit.
    
    
  • The units digit is represented by a long knot with the number of loops indicating the value of the digit.
    
    
  • If the value of the units digit is one it is represented by a figure eight knot.

• Uniform spacing of the clusters of knots along the cord allows for the representation of a number containing a zero digit by leaving a space at the appropriate place on the cord. For example the quipu in the figure on the right contains the numbers 124, 31, 140 and 104. ( S means small knot and the number beside it is the number of small knots, L means long knot and the number beside it is the number of loops, and E means figure eight knot.)

• Divide the students into pairs. Have each student lie one cord on his or her desk as the main cord and then tie two cords to the main cord as hanging cords.
  
  
• Have each student tie a number on each of the two hanging cords. Each pair of students should then exchange their quipu to see if the partner can read the numbers from the quipu. Suggested numbers are the student's age, their height in centimeters, house or building number of their address, age of their oldest brother, sister or the sum of the digits of their phone number or the number of minutes it takes to travel to school. The example on the left contains a height and age. Use this activity as an opportunity to point out the importance of zero as a place keeper in a place value system.
  
  
• Have the students untie the knots and then tie the remaining three cords onto the main cord.
  
  
• Each day for the next five days have each student record a number of their choice on one of the five cords. Have each student exchange his or her quipu with another student to see if the numbers can be read correctly.