SIS in association with “Kids concepts” (https://kidsconcepts.in/what-is-kids-concepts/) arrange workshops in conducting and teaching after school developmental programs to children between the ages of 4 to 16. We offer a range of programs from Abacus (a mental speed math workshop) and Vedic Mathematics.
Abacus
The abacus, also called a counting frame, is a calculating tool that was in use in the ancient Near East, Europe, China, and Russia, centuries before the adoption of the written Arabic numeral system. The exact origin of the abacus is still unknown. The abacus essentially consists of a number of rows of movable beads or other objects, which represent digits. One of two numbers is set up, and the beads are manipulated to implement an operation involving a second number (e.g., addition), or rarely a square or cubic root.
In earliest use the rows of beads could be loose on a flat surface, or sliding in grooves. Later the beads were made to slide on rods of some sort built into a frame, allowing faster manipulation. Abacuses are still made, often as a bamboo frame with beads sliding on wires. In the ancient world, particularly before the introduction of positional notation, abacuses were a practical calculating tool.
There are different modern implementations of the abacus. Some designs, like the bead frame consisting of beads divided into tens, are used mainly to teach arithmetic, although they remain popular in the post-Soviet states as a tool. Other designs, such as the Japanese soroban, have been used for practical calculations even involving numbers of several digits. For any particular abacus design, there are usually numerous different methods to perform calculations, which may include the four basic operations, and also square and cube roots. Some of these methods work with non-natural numbers (numbers such as 1.5 and 3⁄4).
Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Indian Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas by Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji (1884-1960). … The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried out mentally (though the methods can also be written down).
In the Vedic system ‘difficult’ problems or huge sums of multiplications, addition, subtraction, division etc. can often be solved immediately by the Vedic tricks & formulas (sutras). These striking and beautiful methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is far more systematic than the modern ‘system’. Vedic Mathematics manifests the coherent and unified structure of mathematics and the methods are complementary, direct and easy.
The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be carried out mentally (though the methods can also be written down). There are many advantages in using a flexible, mental system. Pupils can invent their own methods; they are not limited to the one ‘correct’ method. This leads to more creative, interested and intelligent pupils.
But the real beauty and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics cannot be fully appreciated without actually practising the Vedic Maths tricks & sutras. One can then see that it is perhaps the most refined, ancient and efficient mathematical system possible.
