Solve This: Math Activities for Students and Clubs (Classroom Resource Materials)

Sophisticated mathematics is accessible to all. This book proves it! This is a collection of intriguing mathematical problems and activities linked by common themes that all involve working with objects from our everyday experience. Learn about the mathematics of a bagel, a checkerboard and a pile of laundry for example. Discover for yourself that wheels need not be round, that braids need not have free ends, that it's always best to turn around twice - and more! Mathematics is all around us, we all do mathematics every day. The activities contained in this book are immediate, catchy and fun, but upon investigation, begin to unfold into surprising layers of depth and new perspectives. The necessary mathematics, in increasing levels of difficulty, is explained fully along the way. Mathematics educators will find this an invaluable resource of fresh and innovative approaches to topics in mathematics.

James Tanton was born in Adelaide, Australia, and attended the University of Adelaide. He received his Ph.D. from Princeton University, and has taught at New College of the University of South Florida, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Merrimack College. He has won several awards for teaching excellence. James Tanton is currently the Interim Director of Boston's Math Circle, a program of courses for students of all ages who enjoy mathematics and want the challenge of new and exciting topics. Believing that mathematics really is accessible to all, he is committed to sharing the joy and beauty of pure mathematics. He has worked with mathematics educators of all levels to help create a lively mathematics culture within school and college mathematics departments. He is a frequent contributor to the student magazine, published by The Mathematical Association of America, Math Horizons.