The Ten Things All Future Mathematicians and Scientists Must Know (But are Rarely Taught) (Paperback)

~ Edward Zaccaro (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Mathematicians and scientists have been closely tied to many famous disasters. The Challenger explosion, the failure of the Mars Orbiter, and the Kansas City Hyatt Regency walkway collapse all involved thinking errors. This book presents the ten things our future mathematicians and scientists must know to prevent these kinds of tragedies from occurring. Because science and mathematics instruction is often dominated by facts and calculation, children are rarely exposed to these important concepts. Over 50 stories are included that show children the strong connections between mathematics and science and the real world.

a)Sister Elizabeth Kenny discovered an effective treatment for polio, but it was ignored by the medical establishment for 30 years.

b)Engineers tried to stop the Challenger launch because of concerns that the o-rings might fail in the cold temperatures. They were ignored.

c)Dr. Semmelweis discovered why thousands of women who gave birth at hospitals were dying and a simple way to stop the deaths. His colleagues ignored his discovery and thousands of women continued to die.

d)How a simple design mistake led to 114 deaths when a walkway collapsed at the Kansas City Regency Hotel.

Questions are included at the end of each chapter to test the reader’s understanding of each concept.

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Hickory Grove Press (March 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967991544
• ISBN-13: 978-0967991542
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,936 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #37 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Education > Specific Skills > Science & Technology
  #98 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Education > Specific Skills > Mathematics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's so good, I read it in bed!, October 11, 2003

By	Rebecca Fleisig (Waterloo, ON) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I teach a grade 5/6 enrichment program and am always looking for unique, stimulating material. I have already written a fan letter to Mr. Zacarro about his Challenge Math book. It is amazing. Every teacher should have a copy. I didn't hesitate to buy The 10 Things All Future Mathematicians and Scientists Must Know: But Are Rarely Taught and was again amazed. It is so good! Each chapter is a different "truth" about what math and science give us and the examples and stories used are interesting, poignant and relevant. My kids love it and I hear them applying what they learn from this book to current events and problem solving. It will realy make them think. If you teach math or science to kids in grades 6 and up, you will be giving them a great gift by using this book in your classroom! You may find yourself taking it home to read yourself at night too!

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never mind future mathematicians and scientists - we could all benefit from this terrific book!, December 26, 2005

By	Andrew J Brunskill "jaberwok" (Edmonds, WA United States) - See all my reviews

What a great book! Amusing, intriguing, entertaining and with lessons that everybody can benefit from. Terrific examples of the errors that have been made and will continue to be made by both the "wise" and the ignorant. Many of the examples are from medical areas I am familiar with and are completely accurate. Although the text with its cartoon figures is targeted at young people their olders (if not their betters!) can learn a lot from it - and those who think they won't may be most at risk of repeating the errors. I have not had the chance to see how young people like this book but based on the other review it sounds good. A great present for young people with inquirying minds and their adult relatives!

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ten things we should ALL know... Another hit for Zaccaro!, January 28, 2006

By	Carolyn K. "Mrs. Hoagie" (Hoagies' Gifted Education Page) - See all my reviews

Ed Zaccaro first came to the attention of the gifted community with Challenge Math, an instant hit. Ten Things All Future Mathematicians and Scientists Must Know (But are Rarely Taught) is another great hit, bringing Ed to a Grand Slam in math! Every math student, from the upper elementary to the high school, and even adults, will enjoy and appreciate Ten Things...

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