Becoming a Problem Solving Genius [Paperback]

Edward Zaccaro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2006

Every math student needs a tool belt of problem solving strategies to call upon when solving word problems. In addition to many traditional strategies, this book includes new techniques such as Think 1, the 2-10 method, and others developed by math educator Ed Zaccaro. Each unit contains problems at five levels of difficulty to meet the needs of not only the average math student, but also the highly gifted. Answer key and detailed solutions are included. Grades 4-12

Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: Hickory Grove Press (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967991595
• ISBN-13: 978-0967991597
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward Zaccaro is a teacher of mathematically gifted children and the author of Challenge Math and Real World Algebra. He has presented at state and national conferences on gifted education.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Book...just review the sample pages, August 14, 2007

By 

Leslie (Farmington Hills, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming a Problem Solving Genius (Paperback)

I'd call this book perfect for middle school on up if you plan to use it as is. For many younger children (lower than 4th grade)to teach the material, you'd have to be willing to present the concepts in examples you've rewritten.
Examples: [In Chapter 1] 160 divided by 1/3 = 53 1/3. In Chapter 3, Level 1 problem 1 is simple subtraction...but if a student doesn't already know that a straight line = 180 degrees, he or she will just get frustrated that a number is "missing". And later in the book there are some variables and exponents.
My son is entering 5th; his math level is just out of pre-algebra/getting into "real" algebra (I've supplemented at home)...if I were relying only upon what children learn through fourth grade at school, he would be too distracted by the computation to get the problem solving benefit out of it. I don't think the book is presented as being for elementary students. But if you purchase this book to use [as is] for someone comfortable with fractions and some basic pre-algebra concepts...you'll have no regrets.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Problem-Solving, September 2, 2007

By 

Monique R. Despres (Fall River, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Becoming a Problem Solving Genius (Paperback)

By the time my students get to me, they've already learned the typical problem-solving strategies over and over. This book offers additional strategies that actually help them solve middle school problems. The presentation of the strategies is clear and engaging and there are multiple levels of practice problems for each strategy making it easy to meet the needs of varied learners. My students love learning these strategies, and I love the problem-solving power these strategies provide. In addition, the strategies presented will carry on far beyond a K-12 education. As someone with an advanced degree in mathematics, these are strategies I use regularly to solve problems. I appreciate the fact that I am giving students tools that they can use in more advanced mathematics classes. I highly recommend this book to supplement any middle school curriculum. I usually combine a lesson from this book with a selection from Zaccaro's The Ten Things All Future Mathematicians and Scientists Must Know (But are Rarely Taught).

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for mid-to-upper elementary, January 11, 2007

By 

PAH "parents of boys" (Murphy, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Becoming a Problem Solving Genius (Paperback)

I have a 2nd grader (who is advanced for his age) and this book is written in such a way that he can grasp the concepts without feeling overwhelmed. The "cartooning" style is easy to follow and entertaining while still being educational. We were looking for something for him to use to develop his probleming solving skills. This was an excellent place to start.