Quipo, also spelled Quipu, is an ancient Incan system of knots used for record-keeping. This system was used by the Incas for centuries for accounting, record-keeping, census-taking, and communication. Quipus were made up of a cord with a series of knots tied along its length, which represented various pieces of information. The knots were made in different colors and materials, and their length, spacing, and position conveyed different meanings.
Teaching students about quipus can be an engaging way to teach them about history, math, and culture. Here are some ideas for incorporating quipus into your lesson plans:
1. Introduce the history. Start by explaining to students what quipus are, and how they were used in Incan society. Provide some background on Incan culture and history, as well as the significance of the quipu in that society.
2. Show real quipus. You can find examples of real quipus in museums, online, and in textbooks. Show students pictures of real quipus, or even bring one into the classroom to pass around and inspect.
3. Create a model. Have students create their own quipus using string, beads, or other materials. You can provide instructions or let them experiment on their own. This activity is a great way to engage students in hands-on learning and to develop their fine motor skills.
4. Teach the math. Knots on the quipus were used to represent numbers and quantities. Teaching students how to use knots to represent numbers can be a fun way to reinforce math concepts. For example, you can have them create a quipu to represent their own age, or the number of siblings they have.
5. Incorporate reading and writing. In addition to numbers, quipus also contained information in the form of text. Challenge your students to create a quipu that represents their own name, or a short message in quipu code.
