Marvels of Math : Fascinating Reads and Awesome Activities

Riveting stories and intriguing facts about the innovations and triumphs of mathematicians throughout history answer such questions as, When did the concept of zero originate? Who discovered negative numbers? and How were geometry or algebraic equations first created? Each story has a list of terms to learn, related discussion questions, and experiments and activities that demonstrate and amplify the story's mathematical theme. Any topic, math included, becomes more accessible and understandable when human stories are related about the development of the subject. Stories make subjects real and purposeful. They provide a foundation from which students can understand and appreciate mathematics rather than merely memorize a series of rote exercises. This book presents 16 stories focusing on significant developments in mathematics history. The stories are divided into four groups. Stories about numbers include: "Numbers in the Sand"; "Something from Nothing"; "Imagine That..."; and "Infinity...and Beyond." Stories about geometry include: "Elementary Elements"; "'Flying' High"; and "Shadow Boxing." Stories about mathematical concepts include: "The Weighing Game"; "The Odds Are..."; "Smaller Makes Bigger"; "A Bridge to Math"; "The Truth about 'M. Le Blanc'"; "Out of Time"; and "One Step Forward, One Step Back." Stories about calculating machines include: "No Bones about It!"; and "Amazing Grace." Each story contains an at a glance section, terms to know, and follow-on questions and activities to explore. (Contains 84 references.) (ASK) Sixteen Stories Introduce Various Mathematical Concepts And Historic Advances Made In The Field Of Mathematics Such As The First Female Professor Of Mathematics, And The Story Of Al-khwarizmi's Invention Of The Number Zero