HOW TO COUNT LIKE A MARTIAN

Essentially, this is the Sets and Numbers unit on counting systems, expanded to include more examples and cast as preparation, by way of reviewing different systems devised by earthlings, for decoding a message from Mars. Stressing the concepts of place, base and zero, St. John shows ""how to count like"" Egyptians, Babylonians, Mayans, Greeks, Chinese and Hindus as well as like abaci and computers; sure enough in the end kids who've had the patience (about all it takes) to follow along will be ready for the base four ""Martian"" system which at the start was just a series of beeps.