School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-6-Harvard mathematics graduate Rapoport and engineer Yoder have provided exciting enrichment opportunities to bring elementary math to life. This compilation of fresh, hands-on STEM activities explores a variety of mathematical concepts, from basic geometric shapes to parabolas, fractals, and puzzles. An introduction explains how the book is designed and meant to be used. While much of the text is written for children, librarians and educators could easily incorporate this work into their curricula or programs. For instance, the "Think About It" section at the start of each chapter would work well as essential questions for educators to gauge student understanding prior to lessons. The chapters are easy to follow and clearly identify each step of the process. The labs require inexpensive materials (toothpicks, gumdrops, balloons, thread) as well as ones likely already in the classroom (rulers, graph paper, pushpins). Illustrations, definitions, and detailed procedures are included for every lab. While chapters build on previous experiments, each is also presented with a stand-alone work-around so educators can make modifications to best suit their students. Occasionally chapters also offer a collaborative exercise for a small group. The book concludes with pullouts (reproducible items for some of the labs), as well as "Hints and Solutions" for the puzzles. VERDICT Recommended for libraries and educators seeking a tactile approach to elementary mathematics.-Doneanne Soult, Westampton Middle School, NJ © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
More than 50 activities connected to mathematical concepts-geometry, fractals, and tangrams, among others-are explored through 37 "labs" that feature step-by-step instructions and photographs. The authors succinctly describe core concepts ("In topology, you can stretch, squeeze, or twist a shape without changing what kind of shape it is"), which are supplemented by sidebars that delve into the associated terminology, profile mathematicians, and suggest additional activities. Required materials are all readily available: in the opening pages, children can use gumdrops and toothpicks like Tinkertoys to build cubes, pyramids, and other three-dimensional structures; many projects need nothing more than pencil and paper. Removable paper templates are provided for some of the activities. Rapaport and Yoder make the projects accessible to readers of varying skill levels, whether they are learning about basic shapes or developing a more advanced understanding of mathematics. Ages 7-10. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Math is often a school discipline that is characterized by drudgery and boredom. This book, though, is created with the idea that, through hands-on activities, youngsters can learn to find the joy in the study of applied mathematical principles and more abstract theory. Using easily supplied materials such as card stock, candies, and broomsticks, readers are invited to utilize foundational concepts appropriate to elementary math classrooms. Geometry, probability, and numerical analysis are emphasized above basic computation. More than 50 activities provide a range of complexity, from drawing simple shapes to creating three-dimensional models and sophisticated games. Full-color photographs make following the step-by-step directions simple. Five thematic chapters define broad types of applications, such as curves and fractals, graph theory, and topology. This collection of activities celebrates an inquiry-based approach to learning math, which may be an excellent complement to more traditional classroom curricula, especially for reluctant learners. As such, it's a great resource for parents, teachers, and curious young readers alike.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2017 Booklist
