Write Like a Sumerian

In this activity, students discuss the concept of symbolic writing and analyze several examples of cuneiform, the writing system of ancient Sumeria. Students will also use a worksheet to create their own writing systems based on cuneiform and then use this writing to record a transaction.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
6.11
Explain the significance of polytheism (the belief that there are many gods) as the religious belief of the people in Mesopotamian civilizations.
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.A.2
Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.B.7
Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x are all...
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.B.8
Write an inequality of the form x > c or x < c to represent a constraint or condition in a real-world or mathematical problem. Recognize that...
CCSS.Math.Content.6.EE.C.9
Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one...
GLE 0606.1.1
Use mathematical language, symbols, and definitions while developing mathematical reasoning.
GLE 0606.3.1
Write and solve two-step equations and inequalities.
GLE 0606.3.2
Interpret and represent algebraic relationships with variables in expressions, simple equations and inequalities.
GLE 0606.3.4
Use expressions, equations and formulas to solve problems.
GLE 0606.3.5
Use multiple representations including symbolic algebra to model and/or solve contextual problems that involve linear relationships.
SPI 0606.3.1
Represent on a number line the solution of a linear inequality.
SPI 0606.3.3
Write equations that correspond to given situations or represent a given mathematical relationship.
SPI 0606.3.5
Translate between verbal expressions/sentences and algebraic expressions/equations.
TSS.Math.6.EE.A.2
Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which variables stand for numbers.
TSS.Math.6.EE.B.7
Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving onestep equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q, and x are all...
TSS.Math.6.EE.B.8
Interpret and write an inequality of the form x > c or x
TSS.Math.6.EE.C.9
Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another.
 
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Essential and guiding questions: 

How were the earliest forms of writing developed? 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS: