This clever binary abacus looks simple at first glance but offers the opportunity for some deeper learning of math concepts and vocabulary, problem solving and logic, as kids learn the counting system computers use. Designed for kids 4-8 years old, the younger crowd can learn to manipulate the 4 levers to navigate the colored marbles through the maize to land in one of the numbered 15 colored slots at the bottom. As play continues kids learn that the 4 levers represent the 4 number places of binary numbers, using only the digits 0 and 1. For example 1101 is 13 in base 10. So as kids learn to count and manipulate the levers to correctly guide the marble to the desired number, they are learning how to count in a base 2 system. They can check their  progress by using the screen cover so they can’t see the result of moving the levers, and rely on their understanding of what numbers 0 or 1 should be selected for each of the four levers representing the ones, twos, fours and eights places. Rich language accompanies this tool as I learned (or maybe re-learned) the binary counting system as a friend explained it all to me. Quercetti Rami will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents, teachers, and kids to share, explain and work together to solve math problems using a system computers know well!

Available at Amazon. Click here