40 Fabulous Math Mysteries Kids Can't Resist (Grades 4-8) [Paperback]

Marcia Miller (Author), Martin Lee (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Humorous, reproducible math mystery stories will give your math sleuths a chance to have fun while practicing important math problem solving skills. They’re just perfect for classwork and homework and help you meet the NCTM standards. For use with Grades 4-8.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martin Lee and Marcia Miller, authors of Great Graphing, Funtastic Math! and other top-selling titles, have written another exciting, problem-packed math resource for teachers of grades 4-8: 5-Minute Math Problem of the Day.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Teaching Resources (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439175402
• ISBN-13: 978-0439175401
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting & challenging, September 26, 2007

By 

L. Reichmann "LMReich" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 40 Fabulous Math Mysteries Kids Can't Resist (Grades 4-8) (Paperback)

I used a couple of these mysteries in my 5th grade classroom. The students enjoyed them because it was different then the way they usually practiced problem solving. The only downside to this book is that I think it is more challenging than the ages suggested. There were only a few stories that were appropriate for my 5th graders and those were still very challenging for them. I wouldn't reccommend this book to someone with a general ed. 4th grade classroom but it is perfect for junior high (6th, 7th, 8th) students!

80 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Challenging Math Stories, November 12, 2006

By 

Karen (Eden Prairie, MN USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 40 Fabulous Math Mysteries Kids Can't Resist (Grades 4-8) (Paperback)

Both of my sons (ages 6-7 and 11) have profited from and enjoyed this book. I think many kids of differing abilities would as well. The problems are fun and interesting, and they build skills that can be used in real life situations.

The problems are phrased as mysteries so you must first read the story and then figure out how you can solve it. After this you go back to the story to collect the facts and apply the math. This is excellent practice for more real-life problems as well as for less-fanciful math story problems kids will see in school. Use Amazon's Search Inside feature to see some of the stories.

For the just-turned-7-year-old we usually helped him work the problems out - but he really likes math and has some understanding of probabilities and combinatorics. We expect him to help figure out what the necessary facts are and give some ideas on how to put them together to solve the problem. Sometimes on his own he reads them, thinks about them, and then reads the answer. My 11-year-old is in the highest level at math at his school (top 5% or something), but still considers the stories interesting and challenging for doing on his own. (Please note that I am not trying to brag about my kids' abilities, but attempting to give you an idea of the age and ability range.)

If you are looking for some fun math for your kids to do - I think it's likely they'll enjoy this book. I am very happy with my purchase.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly fun math problems, May 12, 2008

By 

T. Shiurba (Friday Harbor Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 40 Fabulous Math Mysteries Kids Can't Resist (Grades 4-8) (Paperback)

I'm a private math tutor and am using this book as a Friday reward for two sixth grade girls who are studying algebra one with me. It is challenging in some interesting ways. It is full of story problems to be unraveled, about two kids who are detectives. I had given it to my daughter, who was the first year teacher and she said her kids loved it more than any other part of math. They can be solved alone or in groups. I really recommend this book.