This web page is designed for teachers wanting to incorporate Roman numerals in their mathematics curriculum. The following lesson plan can be used as a lesson in a historical math unit or a thematic unit on Rome. The lesson plan involves a problem solving approach in a child centred learning environment.
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Roman Numeral Lesson Plan:
Objectives:
Students will become aware of the similarities and differences between the Roman numeral system and the Hindu Arabic numeral system.
Students will become more familiar with the Roman Numeral system.
Materials: paper, pencil, chalk board/overhead
Introduction:
1. the teacher will write the following numerals on the board: I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X. The teacher will ask the students what numerals they think will come next and ask the students to give a rationale for their choices. Students can work in pairs.
2. the teacher will ask the students what the numeral system is called and where they have seen Roman numerals.
3. the teacher or a student will show the rest of the Roman numerals to the class.
1=I 5=V 10=X 50=L 100=C 500=D 1000=M
4=IV 9=IX 40=XL 90=XC 400=CD 900=CM
Development
1. the teacher will give examples of Roman numerals and ask the students to write them using Hindu Arabic numerals.
2. the teacher will give examples of numerals written in Hindu Arabic numerals and ask the students to write them using Roman numerals.
3. the students will work in pairs. One partner will give the other partner Roman numerals and ask them to write them using Hindu Arabic numerals. Partners will change roles on the teacher's cue. After both partners have had time to practice, the partners will continue the same routine going from Hindu Arabic numerals to Roman numerals.
4. The following encoded message will be on the board:
____ ___ ___ ____, ___ ___, ___ _____ ___ __ ___ !
XII, I, XX, VIII, IX, XIX, VII, XVIII, V, I, XX
(commas indicate new words and new numbers to match the letters)
Encode the message using the following clues:
1=a 2=b 3=c 4=d 5=e 6=f 7=g 8=h 9=i 10=j 11=k 12=l...
Closure
The teacher will lead a discussion on the differences and similarities between the Roman and Hindu Arabic systems.
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