Math in Science and Nature: Finding Patterns in the World Around Us

Discusses how mathematical patterns can be found nearly anywhere and explains how to find patterns by plotting data on graphs to bring out hidden relationships

Grade 6 Up-A unique and creative book of science projects that highlights applications of mathematics. The first chapter introduces concepts-graphing especially-and provides practice problems. Gardner and Shore go on to mix classic demonstrations, such as Ohm's Law and the behavior of a pendulum, with contemporary issues such as greenhouse warming and energy conservation. An entire chapter is devoted to examples from sports; others explore music and sailing. Formulae and calculations cover basic algebra, geometry, statistics, graphing, and trigonometry. Household materials or tables of data are the basis for each experiment; a series of questions guides readers through the calculations and to the significance of the results. Unfortunately, answers are not supplied for all of the questions. Nevertheless, compared to the many titles that blindly rehash vinegar and baking-soda demonstrations, it is refreshing to find one written by authors who understand science and are able to create interesting new projects. Black-and-white photographs and drawings of graphs, experimental set-ups, and tables are included.
Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.