Customer Reviews

A Mathematical Mystery Tour: Higher-Thinking Math Tasks

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I used this book while homeschooling my 6th grade son, and it was his favorite math day. The Fibonacci numbers intrigued him and revealed the connection between spiral galaxies, patterns on a pine cone, and our own DNA. It also incorporates reading skills, as the book refers the student to an accompanying newspaper for further data he needs. A unique and wonderful book!

I have used this book in teaching both Consumer Math and Geometry. It includes many activities to be done by groups or individuals. Especially evident are the patterns in nature which lead to mathematical insight. Anyone who is intrigued by Fibonacci numbers (1,1,2,3,5,8,...) and the Golden Ratio (.618, 1.618) will love the activities included in this highly interesting and helpful book.

Mark Wahl takes an interdisciplinary discovery/adventure approach to higher-level math skills (focusing on Fibonacci numbers & the Golden Ratio), which really attracts kids with a variety of interests and levels of engagement/interest in math. Totally Refreshing for parents and students alike. DO check to make sure that the accompanying TOUR GUIDE newspaper is actually included in your purchase -- the author originally included it (I called him to track this down)-- it has since been turned into a pdf file which is downloadable directly through Prufrock Publishers -- and there should be no additional charge. Kids can use this independently, though it's interesting enough that parents will want to be involved. Thus far, this title has piqued the interest of my 9 yo math skeptic and he picks it up for leisure, though it looks like it's complexity builds steeply.

I ordered this book used and it didn't come with the tour newspaper. I e-mailed Mark Wahl and his company quickly sent me a copy. The activities are fun for math camps or as a supplement to curriculum.