math-mom.com

Review: Transition Mathematics

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 21:29:53 PST

Transition Math, the first book in the series can be used as an advanced 7th grade text or even as a general math text for late secondary school. With cool applications and clear development of each topic, this book will engage students at any of those levels.

As with all UCSMP secondary texts, topics are presented in clear ways so that students can teach themselves. Students understand why they are using certain procedures before they practice using them. Other books in the series include Algebra (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Geometry (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), Ucsmp Advanced Algebra, Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry, and Uscmp Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics.

Links to Learning

Sun, 7 Oct 2007 21:46:05 PDT

Fun ways to learn, meaningful teaching methods, and answers to almost any math question are just a click away!

Review: Too Many Songs by Tom Lehrer

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 22:07:57 PDT

American music artist, mathematician, and satirist Tom Lehrer will have your family laughing for hours. While you might want to censor some of the songs for your youngsters, this book has the piano music and lyrics for some of Tom Lehrer’s best. Included are two of our favorites, “The Elements” and “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.” View our family performing them in Homeschool Chemistry.

Math Contests

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:54:14 PDT

Math Contests are a fun way for competitive kids to demonstrate their math skills.

Review: The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 22:41:26 PDT

From the math olymipad master himself, you’ll find all kinds of tips and insights for solving problems. Paul Zeitz highlights specific strategies and gives you lots of challenging problems with which to explore them. Be prepared to spend time thinking, investigating, and discovering.

Review: Uscmp Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:58:34 PDT

With the clear, careful, colorful presentation of material, many students should be motivated to complete this final book in the UCSMP series. An abundance of applications and problem solving opportunities are presented once the material is understood. To keep past material fresh in students minds, review exercises are also part of each section.

As with all UCSMP secondary texts, topics are presented in clear ways so that students can teach themselves. Students understand why they are using certain procedures before they practice using them. Other books in the series include Transition Mathematics, Algebra (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Geometry (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), Ucsmp Advanced Algebra, Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry.

Review: Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:58:10 PDT

Can students really enjoy statistics and trigonometry? With this book, the answer is yes! With clear presentation of material as well as the development of good applications, students will learn to appreciate these branches of mathematics. The photos entice the reader to learn more. Even reluctant students can be drawn in by the clear descriptions and intriguing applications.

As with all UCSMP secondary texts, topics are presented in clear ways so that students can teach themselves. Students understand why they are using certain procedures before they practice using them. Other books in the series include Transition Mathematics, Algebra (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Geometry (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), Ucsmp Advanced Algebra,and Uscmp Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics.

Review: Ucsmp Advanced Algebra

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:57:46 PDT

Following the flow of the UCSMP secondary series, this book presents many intriguing applications of the math it teaches. There are biology, physics, and mechanics applications. The text is designed so that students can understand new concepts from reading the text. This book has a lot more words and color than the average math book. It addition to comprehension questions, there are problem solving and review exercises.

As with all UCSMP secondary texts, topics are presented in clear ways so that students can teach themselves. Students understand why they are using certain procedures before they practice using them. Other books in the series include Transition Mathematics, Algebra (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Geometry (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry, and Uscmp Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics.

Review: University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Geometry (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project)

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:57:22 PDT

Geometry, perhaps most obviously artistic branch of mathematics, is presented here in a visual, tactile way. With little emphasis on proofs, students are given a clear understanding of relationships and connections between shapes and solids. The more rigorous math student may find it helpful to combine this work with the proofs in Jacob’s Geometry. Still this text offers a thorough understanding of topics, applications, and problem solving.

As with all UCSMP secondary texts, topics are presented in clear ways so that students can teach themselves. Students understand why they are using certain procedures before they practice using them. Other books in the series include Transition Mathematics, Algebra (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), Ucsmp Advanced Algebra, Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry, and Uscmp Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics.

Review: Algebra (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project)

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:56:20 PDT

The first thing you notice about this math text is that it is colorful and contains a lot of words! With a variety of applications from technology, investment, nature, sports, there are topics sure to interest almost any student. It will certainly discourage the “When am I ever going to need this?” question. In addition to comprehension questions about the material, there are applications, review exercises, and explorations. It’s a great introduction to secondary mathematics and will leave your student wanting to study more.

As with all UCSMP secondary texts, topics are presented in clear ways so that students can teach themselves. Students understand why they are using certain procedures before they practice using them. Other books in the series include Transition Mathematics, University of Chicago School Mathematics Project Geometry (University of Chicago School Mathematics Project), Ucsmp Advanced Algebra, Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry, and Uscmp Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics.

My child needs help memorizing facts

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:45:11 PDT

Flash cards, worksheets, and other memorization gadgets quickly drift to the bottom of our toy chest. As a result, I decided not to specifically work on memorizing facts with my four oldest children. Instead, I always make sure they understand the underlying concepts, and then consistently give them problems and other opportunities to apply them.

Before my fourth child learned the multiplication tables, we would laboriously work through repeated additions or work out the area of an equivalent rectangle every time we needed to use multiplication to solve a problem. Eventually he realized that remembering 6 times 7 was 42 could save him a lot of effort. With this motivation and lots of practice in mental arithmetic, he has caught on to multiplication facts like a champ!

If your child still needs extra practice, make sure he or she has a strong understanding of the concepts in Mental Math in the Primary Grades and Mental Math in the Middle Grades.

When your child understands the concepts and needs to hold them in their memory, you can use Math Shark, an electronic drill, or kinesthetic drills such as Addition Wrap Ups, Subtraction Wrap Ups, Multiplication Wrap Ups, or Division Wrap Ups. You might also find the tunes in Schoolhouse Rock! (Special 30th Anniversary Edition) helpful.

For the child who loves the social aspect or the competition of a good game, Learning Resources The Iguana Factor Multiplication Game is an excellent way to help them learn the multiplication facts without them even realizing it.

Review: Learning Resources The Iguana Factor Multiplication Game

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:33:21 PDT

For the child learning multiplication facts, this game is a mixture of memory work, strategy, and chance. The multiplication practice helps kids master their facts. Developing a winning strategy keeps the game interesting. The role of chance keeps everyone in the game until the last spin. Practice your facts and have some fun!

Review: Tessellation Teaching Masters: 07900

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:49:59 PDT

Geometric designs are everywhere around us. It’s easiest to begin to notice patterns anywhere you see tile. In fact, there is quite a classification system in place for different types of tiling patterns. Kids will can explore patterns in their kitchens, bathrooms, or even their favorite store at the mall. This book is a companion to Introduction to Tessellations.

Review: Introduction to Tessellations

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:49:26 PDT

Learn about properties of polygons, symmetry, and geometric design as students create their own tiling patterns. Combine this with identification of tiling patterns in the companion book of reproducibles Tessellation Teaching Masters: 07900 as well as a study of Escher’s work.

Review: Zometool Advanced Math Creator Kit

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:49:03 PST

When it’s hard to picture a three dimensional solid, make a model! With Zome, you’ll be able to create about any polyhedron you can imagine. As you build, you’ll be able to see relationships and patterns you wouldn’t have imagined. For the kinesthetic learner, there isn’t a better match. Zome Geometry: Hands-on Learning with Zome Models will give you ideas of many fascinating ideas to explore.

Review: Zome Geometry: Hands-on Learning with Zome Models

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:47:02 PST

With Zome, you can touch, see, and move angles, lines, and shapes in two and three dimensions. Explorations in geometry will become a piece of art as well as a scientific investigation. With Zometool Advanced Math Creator Kit, there isn’t a better match for the kinesthetic learner.

Review: Math Mat Challenge Game

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:37:14 PST

For those kids who find it hard to sit still and learn their math facts, this will give them a chance to move. They will have fun letting out some energy on a rainy day and you’ll be glad they can catch on to those facts.

Review: First Steps for Math Olympians: Using the American Mathematics Competitions (Problem Books) (MAA Problem Book Series)

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:32:10 PST

For those competing in the AMC10/12 competitions, this book will prepare you for almost any type of problem you’ll encounter there. It systematically covers topics and strategies and gives you lots of problems to practice them!

Review: Mathematical Olympiad Treasures

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:26:49 PST

Here you’ll find basic problem solving strategies for solving the highest level problems given to high school students. Accept the challenge and give them a try!

Review: Mathematical Olympiad Challenges, Second Edition

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 22:24:51 PST

For the advanced student in mathematics, there’s always more challenges that lay ahead. The coaches of the U.S. Mathematical Olympiad team are the ones to help you. Here you’ll find background material for approaching the highest level problems given to a high school student.