Amazon.com
The intrepid Standard Deviants, a troupe of young performers unafraid to shamelessly ham it up in the cause of making difficult academic subjects memorable, turn their attention to "The Pumped Up World of Pre-Algebra" in this DVD. Using lots of examples and flashy computer graphics to illustrate them, the cast jumps into the basics by answering the question "What is an integer exponent?" The rules of exponents are explained, and these initial segments are followed with a review. The basic format is followed throughout, with the concepts of prime factorization, roots, fractional exponents, and inequalities being covered with a variety of techniques, including some skits and jokes bad enough to serve as brilliant mnemonic devices. This subject matter doesn't sound like anything fun, but the cast does its best to explain things thoroughly, and the high production values make the content visually appealing on the screen. The DVD format lends itself to a feature that presents what are essentially on-screen flashcards showing formulas, and a "Pumped Up Exam" can also be administered, with the viewer answering by using the buttons on the DVD player's remote control. An academic panel oversaw the production to ensure that the math is solid, and this is as entertaining a treatment of pre-algebra as could ever be expected.
--Robert J. McNamara
