Archimedes: Mathematical Genius Of The Ancient World (Great Minds of Science)

Grade 5-8 Because more information has survived about Archimedess contributions than about his life, most of this book wisely focuses on his mathematical observations 22 centuries ago. Descriptions of Syracuse and Alexandria, cities that influenced his social and educational development, introduce readers to ancient Greek society and give them a fuller understanding of the importance of Archimedess discoveries. The next chapters describe the significance of his work regarding levers, buoyancy, geometry, and pi and of such inventions as the pulley and Archimedess screw. The legendary Eureka! moment involving the metallic composition of the kings crown and a chapter devoted to the mans fondness for mathematical puzzles enliven text, which is composed mainly of short, declarative sentences. Footnotes are appropriately referenced, and citations from primary sources include the writings of Plutarch and Cicero. Differentiation is made between factually recorded accounts and those attributed to legend. Good-quality, black-and-white illustrations add information to the clear text, which is presented in large font. Three activities encourage student inquiry. With few other titles available for this audience, this entry in the series could be especially useful for students requesting books about ancient history or mathematicians. This latest title in the Great Minds of Science series offers a look at one of the greatest minds of the ancient world. An original and profound thinker, Archimedes was a mathematician, a physicist, a mechanical engineer, and an inventor. He is most famous for proving the law of the lever and inventing the compound pulley. Profiles the life and accomplishments of the third-century B.C. Greek mathematician and inventor, including his geometrical discoveries, solar system model, and military machines