Have you ever wondered how people kept track of numbers and did large calculations before calculators and computers? One of the ways this was done was on an abacus. You have probably seen an abacus before but do not really know what it does or how to use it. This series of lessons is designed to teach you the history of the abacus and how to use one. Once finished, you will be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide very large and very small numbers on an abacus.
Learning to Operate the Abacus to Show Numbers:Watch this short video to see how children in Japan learn to use the abacus. You will be amazed and inspired! Now go to youtube HEV Project page and start watching the videos. You can speed them up a little if you want, but do not skip through them. If you want to be good with the abacus you have to take the time to learn it step by step. It makes me think of learning to play the piano- if you don’t learn proper technique you will never be truly great. Take the time to listen, learn and practice. Here are a few websites that might be helpful for practicing:
Abacus Addition- this will give you problems and let you manipulate an online abacus.Mathgames.com- this site will give you problems to solve and then tell you if you got the answers right. Start with the low level numbers- maybe with first grade problems and work your way up.
Once we have enough people who know how to do it, we will start having sting competitions.
Here is my email address if you need to contact me: [email protected].
Have fun and be diligent. I am hoping you will get as excited about this as I am.