Published by Quarry Books
Summary: 37 labs in nine chapters introduce a wide variety of mathematical topics, such as geometry, topology, fractals, and graph theory. Each chapter begins with a “Think About It” question to be considered before diving into the labs. Each lab includes a materials list, a boxed math fact, instructions, and diagrams. The activities seem like simple games, puzzles, and craft projects, but don’t be fooled, constructing with toothpicks and gumdrops can lead to a greater understanding of antiprisms and Platonic solids. In the authors’ introduction, they state that the activities have been tested on kids ages 6-10, but can be enjoyed by middle school students, high school students, and adults. Back matter includes pull-outs to use with a few of the labs, hints and solutions for many of the labs, and an index. 144 pages; grades 2+
Pros: “Mathematicians play,” the authors state in their introduction. If you think you hate math, or you know a child who hates math, this book may be just the remedy. Every activity looks like fun and is simple to set up, yet leads to a mathematical way of looking at the world. The colorful photos of kids engaged in the activities and the simple, clear diagrams add to the fun.
Cons: My neighbors may call for reinforcements when I head outside with five feet of string, two broomsticks, and some chalk to draw a giant ellipse in my driveway.
Summary: A man, woman, and boy start building on the first page with bricks…two, four six. People and bricks multiply with dizzying speed from there until the end of the book: molding and baking the clay to make bricks, mixing mortar, and building, building, building. Schools, malls, government buildings: all are built with millions and billions of bricks. Finally, at the end, “The work is nearly done, the cleanup has begun, let’s count the bricks we didn’t use, all together—one!” 32 pages, ages 4-8.
