Synopsis
Flummoxed by formulas? Queasy about equations? Perturbed by pi? Now you can stop cursing over calculus and start cackling over Math, the newest volume in Bill Robertson's accurate and amusing Stop Faking It! books. Like the other six titles in this award-winning NSTA Press series, Math is meant for homework-helping parents, math-averse science teachers, and homeschoolers. It's written for everyone who lacks the background to teach with confidence and is sick of relying on avoidance strategies. As Robertson sees it, too many people view mathematics as a set of rules to be followed, procedures to memorize, and theorems to apply. This book takes a unique approach by focusing on the reasoning behind the rules, from math basics all the way up to a brief introduction to calculus. Among the questions it covers: Why do you 'carry' numbers when adding? Why do you need a common denominator when adding fractions? (Robertson says you don't, by the way!) What's behind the process of cross-multiplying? Where does the number pi come from? And who in the heck invented those strange formulas for area and volume? As usual, Robertson provides clear explanations, irreverent illustrations, and easy-to-follow activities. But he spares you problem sets to do or tests to take. That's because Math is not so much a book that will help you do math as it is a guide to understanding it conceptually.
Review
A rich resource that will help teachers develop a deeper understanding of the concepts they teach. Robertson also includes inquiry-based activities, supported by written and illustrated descriptions, that can be easily adapted across grade levels. With humor and insight, the author encourages teachers and students to go beyond memorization to understanding. --Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal, Spring 2007
Science educator and writer Robertson has in mind teachers and parents as he presents the basics of mathematics at a very accessible level. He uses everyday examples and common sense.... Robertson is sensitive to the needs of the learner and refreshingly free from anything that might make the reader feel like a complete idiot. --Reference & Research Book News, August 2006
An excellent, easy to read book for anyone; from students to teachers! The book is very easy to understand and provides great clarification on all aspects provided. If all math books were this easy to read and clear cut, math wouldn't be so dreaded and challenging. This is an excellent book to help you gain a better understanding behind the math operations and rules. This book answers all of your math questions you or your students may have, from basic to more in depth! Stop Faking It has clear explanations, it s easy to follow, and has great illustrations. --Reviewed by: Emily Kelly on June 23, 2009
When I finished reading this book I found myself wishing there was even more... If only standard math books could be read as easily and math concepts shared as effectively. I've enjoyed all of my Stop Faking It! books. --Reviewed by: Robert Gilmore (Milford, MA) on July 15, 2008
An excellent, easy to read book for anyone; from students to teachers! The book is very easy to understand and provides great clarification on all aspects provided. If all math books were this easy to read and clear cut, math wouldn't be so dreaded and challenging. This is an excellent book to help you gain a better understanding behind the math operations and rules. This book answers all of your math questions you or your students may have, from basic to more in depth! Stop Faking It has clear explanations, it s easy to follow, and has great illustrations. --Reviewed by: Emily Kelly on June 23, 2009
When I finished reading this book I found myself wishing there was even more... If only standard math books could be read as easily and math concepts shared as effectively. I've enjoyed all of my Stop Faking It! books. --Reviewed by: Robert Gilmore (Milford, MA) on July 15, 2008
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