How Math Works

Rating:
Summary: Difficult to find a book that makes math more fun!
Review: A great resource for teaching math to kids from the very young to upper middle school. This wonderfully illustrated book covers everything from logic to probability and stats, with a little bit of Trig & Algebra thrown in for good measure. Each subject is covered to a reasonable depth in brief, simple language. There are oodles of 'feast-for-the-eyes' graphics, games, biography bits, obscure math facts, experiments, try-its, and tricks. The emphasis is on 'learning by doing' and makes good on the author's promise to "Share the Wonders of Mathematics"

Rating:
Summary: How Math Works
Review: Eyewitness - How Mathematics Works Carol Vordeman

Aspects of subject included Number and Algebra. Shape, Space and Measure. Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics.

Structure and organisation of the text The text is organised into categories, i.e. number. Each double page spread has a Title, a main paragraph, and lots of related but independent sections. Most pages feature a piece of maths history or an interesting unusual application of maths. The Pictures and diagrams all add lots of information, and are not just decorative. Activities

Ways in which information is presented Text in different sizes. Key points bulleted. Photographs and diagrams. Step by Step instructions using both words and pictures. Separate sections are framed. Background for the same section (i.e. Discovery) is the same colour on different pages.

Helpful features Contents, glossary index and heading. Activities and problems. Categories and sections mean that the information can be dipped into. Emphasis on the place of maths within society. Lots of concrete maths.

Potential difficulties Lots of information to take in. Activities require a lot of equipment. Lots of mathematical vocabulary

Reading skills required Use of contents index and glossary. Heading, subheading. Reasonably difficult general vocabulary. Being able to skim the page and select relevant or interesting information. Lot's of mathematical vocabulary to take in.

Implications for teaching

Ideas for lessons. Introduction / reference for teaching. General background reading. Display. Extension work / reinforcement ideas.

Rating:
Summary: How Math Works
Review: This colorful, fun book is a far-ranging, nicely-illustrated exploration of the world of mathematics. It has sections on algebra, probability, statistics, calculation, geometry, topology, and more. Each pair of facing pages discusses a mathematical concept and its history. Most pages offer an amusing puzzle in which the concept plays a role along with a thing you can make or do that involves the concept (how to make a set of ``Napier's bones'' to help in multiplication, how a topologist can take his vest off without removing the jacket worn over it, a card-file/knitting needle database machine). A child who spends time with this book will learn to see math for the fun game it is.

Rating:
Summary: A recommended cure for those who dislike math
Review: This colorful, fun book is a far-ranging, nicely-illustrated exploration of the world of mathematics. It has sections on algebra, probability, statistics, calculation, geometry, topology, and more. Each pair of facing pages discusses a mathematical concept and its history. Most pages offer an amusing puzzle in which the concept plays a role along with a thing you can make or do that involves the concept (how to make a set of ``Napier's bones'' to help in multiplication, how a topologist can take his vest off without removing the jacket worn over it, a card-file/knitting needle database machine). A child who spends time with this book will learn to see math for the fun game it is.