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Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself by Laszlo C. Bardos — book cover

Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself

by Laszlo C. Bardos, Samuel Carbaugh
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Overview

From prime numbers to paraboloids, this collection of projects proves that learning mathematics can still be fun. Introducing children to the beauty and wonder of the subject through hands-on activities, this guide demonstrates how to construct a geodesic dome big enough for a person to sit in, solve the world’s hardest two-piece puzzle, pass a straight line through a curved slot, and amaze others with the mysterious Möbius strip. Emphasizing how mathematics can be encountered in daily life, this intriguing reference highlights the hidden patterns in snowflakes, soap bubbles, and even the graceful curves of the Golden Gate Bridge. Touching on number patterns, lines, curves, and shapes, each activity includes engaging facts, vocabulary builders, and connections to other topics. With a companion website featuring video instructions for several projects as well as additional activities, this educational exploration turns the art of numbers into an adventure for all.

Synopsis

From prime numbers to paraboloids, this collection of projects proves that learning mathematics can still be fun. Introducing children to the beauty and wonder of the subject through hands-on activities, this guide demonstrates how to construct a geodesic dome big enough for a person to sit in, solve the world’s hardest two-piece puzzle, pass a straight line through a curved slot, and amaze others with the mysterious Möbius strip. Emphasizing how mathematics can be encountered in daily life, this intriguing reference highlights the hidden patterns in snowflakes, soap bubbles, and even the graceful curves of the Golden Gate Bridge. Touching on number patterns, lines, curves, and shapes, each activity includes engaging facts, vocabulary builders, and connections to other topics. With a companion website featuring video instructions for several projects as well as additional activities, this educational exploration turns the art of numbers into an adventure for all.

CJ Connor Campbell County Public Library CLEAR Review

This book is full of hands-on math projects that are easy and fun. From interesting applications of numbers and counting, to geometric shapes and even experiments with bubbles, this book is sure to make math fun! It carefully explains each mathematical concept and includes vocabulary that reinforce the narrative. Then the concept is applied to a project or game, including fun facts. This book will get lots of attention and use for sure.

About the Author, Laszlo C. Bardos

Laszlo C. Bardos is a high school mathematics teacher. He is the author of the website www.CutOutFoldUp.com, which contains guidelines to constructing mathematical models and toys. He lives in Lyme, New Hampshire. Samuel Carbaugh is the illustrator of Discover the Desert. He lives in Vermont.

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Editorials

CJ Connor Campbell County Public Library CLEAR Review

This book is full of hands-on math projects that are easy and fun. From interesting applications of numbers and counting, to geometric shapes and even experiments with bubbles, this book is sure to make math fun! It carefully explains each mathematical concept and includes vocabulary that reinforce the narrative. Then the concept is applied to a project or game, including fun facts. This book will get lots of attention and use for sure.

Children's Literature - David Adams

Question: Why did the chicken cross the Mobius strip? Answer: To get to the same side! The Mobius strip is just one of approximately three dozen projects in Amazing Math. Other projects are bubble films, fraction dials, paper snowflakes, kites, and a geodesic dome made out of a lot of newspaper. Categories of math include Numbers & Counting; Angles, Curves, & Paths; Shapes; and Patterns. Some of the projects might be described more as simple activities, some requiring little more than pencil and paper. Other projects are a little more creative, if not thrifty. Project tips include money savers such as using cereal boxes for cardboard templates. The accompanying website adds an extra dimension because the videos show how to do the projects. Drawbacks of the book are black and white only text and drawings. There are some projects that involve items like colored pencils, so color would have made the reading that much richer. The website videos are somewhat lackluster because of the monotonous voice. It could probably also use some low background music. The credentials of the book's author are conspicuously absent. Amazing Math could use a stronger presentation, but it is nevertheless a handy guide to instill math concepts. This book is part of the "Build It Yourself" series. Includes glossary, bibliography, and index. Reviewer: David Adams

School Library Journal

Gr 4–7—This activity book is illustrated with lively black-and-white cartoon figures and shapes to reproduce, cut out, and construct. Many of the projects will require adult help for understanding and manipulation. The focus is on geometry, numbers, and shapes and includes levels of math from mere counting to Fibonacci sequences to the hyperboloid. The brightly colored cover draws readers in but the dense text might turn off those with less understanding of math. There are step-by-step instructions clearly numbered for each project and quick explanations about the math involved. While many patterns are included, they must be enlarged or reproduced on heavier paper so a copier is necessary. While individuals are instructed to copy patterns, no copyright privileges are extended for teachers or schools, making this a home-use product only.—Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

Book Details

Published
August 1, 2010
Publisher
Nomad Press
Pages
128
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9781934670583

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