25 Real Life Math Investigations That Will Astound Teachers and Students [Paperback]

Edward Zaccaro (Author), Luke Zaccaro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2007

Students typically are not given the opportunity to see the wondrous side of mathematics because it is often taught as all scales and no music. Help your students: 1) Discover the power of mathematics as the danger of short-term loans is exposed in a dramatic fashion. 2) Investigate math mistakes in the news media and their potential consequences. 3) Watch as mathematics shows the futility of depending on corn-based ethanol to lower our dependence on oil imports. 4) Learn the surprising answer to how much money a hybrid car will save its owner because of reduced gasoline usage. These and other fascinating math investigations will allow students to see the power of mathematics as it cuts through deception and flawed thinking to reveal the truth.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ed has taught students of all ages and abilities since graduating from Oberlin College in 1974. He holds an Iowa teaching certificate with K-12 endorsement in Gifted Education and a Masters degree in Gifted Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Ed is a popular presenter at math and gifted education conferences around the country and has approached gifted education as a parent, teacher, and school board member. His students will testify to his ability to make math fun and challenging for them as well as his unique sense of humor which comes through in his classes and workshops.

Product Details

• Paperback: 394 pages
• Publisher: Hickory Grove Press (December 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967991587
• ISBN-13: 978-0967991580
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK!!!!, November 26, 2009

By 

Rachel Heiar (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 25 Real Life Math Investigations That Will Astound Teachers and Students (Paperback)

This book is EXACTLY what the title says!! These investigations are so amazing and even scary (but good scary). For example, chapter one, the "Nightmare of Payday Loans" shows the danger of short term loans. When I read this chapter I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. This book also gives examples of math mistakes in the media, the futility of depending on corn-based ethanol for energy independence, and even shows how math can guide you in making important decisions (rent to own, teenage drivers, and sub-prime loans). I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to teach the connections between math and the real world.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kid friendly format, April 30, 2011

By 

Kathy Henderson (Iowa) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 25 Real Life Math Investigations That Will Astound Teachers and Students (Paperback)

The cartoons break up the look of the book, making more approachable for children - and adults. The stories/problems are things that we all need to understand to navigate life well. The math is thinking math, not rote.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Math Cartoons, July 15, 2009

By 

Math Teacher54 "rysha54" (WashingtonDC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 25 Real Life Math Investigations That Will Astound Teachers and Students (Paperback)

Zaccarro is an excellent resource but these books are basically huge cartoons with very little print on each page, so if you are using them as a personal resource or as a classroom library resource, they would be great. I just thought it was a lot of paper use for very little--some pages only have a few words on them.