Math and Science Across Cultures: Activities and Investigations from the Exploratorium [Paperback]

Maurice Bazin (Author), Modesto Tamez (Author), Exploratorium Teacher Institute (Compiler), The Exploratorium Teacher Institute (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2002

Innovative, hands-on math and science activities of many cultures, from one of the world's foremost science museums.

Too often, the study of science, math, and technology is limited to the major successes of the Western world. Yet people all over the world have observed and explored nature and developed technologies to help them in their everyday lives.

From the creators of the national bestseller and Parent's Choice Book Award-winner The Explorabook (over one million copies sold) comes Math and Science Across Cultures, designed to help teachers, parents, and youth-group leaders use hands-on activities to explore the math and science of different cultural traditions, and to make these subjects more relevant and approachable for children of all backgrounds. With instructions in this book, you can:

• Construct a Brazilian carnival instrument and investigate the science of sound.
• Play a peg solitaire game from Madagascar and learn about mathematical patterns.
• Experiment with a traditionally prepared cup of Chinese tea and learn about energy flow.
• Count like an Egyptian, decipher Mayan mathematical symbols, and decode the ancient Inca number system of knotted cords.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Maurice Bazin has taught physics at Princeton University and co-directed the Exploratorium's Teacher Institute. Modesto Tamez develops science curricula at the Exploratorium. Founded in 1969, the Exploratorium is San Francisco's innovative hands-on museum of science, art, and human perception, visited by over six hundred thousand visitors a year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: New Press, The (December 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565845412
• ISBN-13: 978-1565845411
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #973,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also ideal for use in a homeschooling environment, February 13, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Math and Science Across Cultures: Activities and Investigations from the Exploratorium (Paperback)

Collaboratively compiled and written by Maurice Bazin, Modesto Tamez, and the Exploratorium Teacher Institute, Math And Science Across Cultures: Activities And Investigations From The Exploratorium is specifically designed to enable teachers and parents to make science and math both relevant and interesting to children through the use of hands-on activities drawn from different cultural traditions. While construction the Cuica (a Brazilian instrument used during Carnaval) students can investigate and learn about the science of sound. Through the use of "Sona" (Southwestern African sand drawings), students will re-enact ancient storytelling traditions the use complex, interwoven patterns which reflect basic mathematical principles. From counting like an Egyptian, to decoding like a Mayan, to drawing like a Tchwokee, Math And Science Across Cultures will entertainingly and informatively engage children in the discoveries, innovations, and creative explores of cultures from around the globe. Highly recommended as a traditional classroom curriculum supplement, Math And Science Across Cultures is also ideal for use in a homeschooling environment.

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling, June 15, 2011

By 

Kim Schuelke - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Math and Science Across Cultures: Activities and Investigations from the Exploratorium (Paperback)

Fourteen riveting activities actively involve students in thoughtful analysis of cultural contexts for math and science. Most activities require only one to two hours of time and all provide meaningful writing prompts. Whether your students are twelve or twenty they're sure to enjoy these adventures ranging from making musical instruments or basket weaves to building irrigation ditches or creating natural dyes.