Junk Drawer Geometry

December 1, 2018
Grades 4-8 Kids who hate geometry may change their minds after trying the activities in this entry in the Junk Drawer Science series. The author, a physics teacher, understands that kids will grasp geometry more easily if they can visualize it with concrete examples. If younger kids are exposed to geometry concepts before they're taught in school, he says, the easier it will be for them to understand as they get older. The 50 included activities use no- or low-cost materials to demonstrate geometry concepts: learning the Pythagorean theorem with cheese crackers, or comparing area to perimeter using wheat crackers. Each activity includes step-by-step instructions and black-and-white photos, and indicates what grades it's geared for, while suggesting ways to adapt for younger or older students. The activities range from advanced ones for high-schoolers to those for younger kids (i.e., how to create a flip-art book of shapes). This entertaining and instructional book is ideal for students studying geometry, exploring STEM careers, or those who just love solving math puzzles.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

December 21, 2018

Gr 5 Up-Mercer, an experienced physics teacher, presents simple projects in this accessible volume. The introduction provides a succinct rationale for using hands-on activities to help students master math and science concepts. The volume is divided into three sections, each with 14-18 examples. In "Geometry Tools," students make cereal box calipers, a paper protractor, and yarn and cardboard graph paper. In "Math Labs," students see real-world applications to geometry concepts as they work through projects such as cheese cracker Pythagoras and midsegment toilet paper. In "Fun Geometry Activities," students make their own tessellations and puzzles. Each craft includes a brief description, a list of supplies, an explanation of the math concepts learned, and information on which grade levels the project is for, from elementary to high school. Step-by-step directions are comprehensible and accompanied by useful photos. The titular phrase "Junk drawer geometry" is right on-all materials are inexpensive and easy to gather. VERDICT A great addition to STEM collections and makerspaces.-Erica Thorsen, Albemarle High School, VA