Achievements

During the Classic Period, the Maya had many great achievements including advancements in mathematics, astronomy and writing. 

You will have the opportunity to learn about some of these achievements at our Mayan Achievement Stations - Math Magic, Crazy Cool Calendar and Glyphs of Glory!

MAYAN MATH MAGIC

Maya Math Mastery Cartoon.docx

Mayan math mastery

Read this simple comic strip to learn about the basics of the Maya system of counting.

There are only three symbols in Mayan numbers and they use a base-20 system.

MAYA MATH VIDEO

In this video, the teacher explains the concept of Mayan counting using manipulatives. 

The first 7 minutes introduce the counting system and explain the process of addition.

Click the red button above to access the Dig-It Discovery Mayan Math Game

GLYPHS OF GLORY

How to Write Your Name as a Mayan Glyph.docx

Take a minute or two to read about the basics of how to write your name in Mayan glyphs.

Mayan Glyph Syllabary.pdf

The Maya did not have an alphabet. Instead they had a "syllabary." 

This chart contains the symbols for the syllablic sounds used in Mayan glyphs.

Look at some of these beautiful examples from past students

Consonant Substitution Chart.pdf

Are some of the letters from your name missing from the Mayan syllabary?

Use this list to find suitable substitutes for missing letters.


CRAZY COOL CALENDAR

Crazy Cool Calendar Station