APPLIED MATH

FROM ASSORTED PUBLISHERS

57 Great Math Stories and the Problems They Present by Dr. Debbie Haver, Alice Koziol, Elaine Haven, and Dan Mulligan. Instructional Fair, 1998. This book has some of the most interesting story problems I've ever seen for use in a middle school math class. The attention-grabbing stories and illustrations are presented on one page, and on the following page you have six problems that relate to the story that range from fairly easy to more challenging. The stories themselves introduce the background for the realistic, humorous, and sometimes whimsical problems that follow. Subjects include sports, pets, new jobs, advice columns, new babies, neighbors, cattle drives, gardening, and other everyday topics of interest to those in grades 5-8. Problems are carefully created to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies. Students need to use mathematical ideas and concepts to find solutions and employ a wide variety of computational skills with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. The stories can be used for individual work or cooperative  learning groups. Highly recommended. Reproducible for classroom use, and answers are provided at the back. 120 pages. BTH-2965. $11.69-D`

Agnesi to Zeno: Over 100 Vignettes from the History of Math by Sanderson Smith. This 265-page survey of mathematical thought and achievement for the secondary level contains Blackline Activity Masters and links mathematics to the whole of human development. It traces the history of mathematics from the earliest counting systems to modern developments in chaos theory -- in an easily presentable format. The vignettes feature both brief biographies of influential mathematicians and introductions to mathematical concepts, while activities encourage in-depth research, critical thinking, and class discussion. Included are over 100 exercises from almost every branch of mathematics that give students the opportunity to apply the concepts developed by Euclid, Maria Agnesi, Benjamin Banneker, and many others. Answers are provided for selected exercises for which answers do not vary, and there is an extensive bibliography to aid in research. Index is provided. Punched for 3-hole notebook. A Key Curriculum Press Book. Cat.BTH-729. $26.06-D.

Applied Math Series (from Garlic Press): These show students in the upper grades how various mathematics disciplines can be used to solve everyday problems. Titles are listed below. $8.06-D each.

Applying Algebra: Helps students apply algebra to daily activities. Answers included.BTH-77. $8.96-D
Basic Equations: 49 pages of instruction and problems to help students understand linear equations. Emphasis is placed on translating simple algebra and geometry concepts into the mathematical statements needed to solve everyday problems. Covers equations and number relationship, solving basic linear equations, word problems, and formulas. Each topic has step-by-step explanations, examples, and applications. Answers are provided.BTH-79. $8.96-D
Metrics at Work: Provides 81 pages of instruction and problems to help learn and apply the metric system to daily activities and commerce. Covers conversions between the SI Metrics and the English System of measurement, square and volume measurements, temperature measurements, SI Metrics and percents. Answers to problems provided.  BTH-80. $8.96-D
Solving Word Problems: Provides a consistent and logical strategy for solving any word problem. It is meant to be used by teacher and students at all levels from beginning algebra on through differential calculus. Covers defining qualities, reducing the number of variables, and setting and solving equations, There are applications to algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. 125 pages, including answers. BTH-78. $8.96-D

Barron's Essential Math: Basic Math for Everyday Use, by Edward Williams and Robert Atkins. This book teaches (or reviews) the math skills needed on the job, at the supermarket, at the bank, and at the other places you live your life. Learn to figure sales tax, discounts, tips, overtime pay, commissions, averages and probability. Calculator-active exercises are included. Covers whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Excellent preparation for minimum competency exams in mathematics. Includes lots of illustrations, practice exercises, and answers. BTH-2889. $13.46-D

Binary Power: Insights, Activities, and Problem Solving Based on the Power of 2, by John Veltman. This book explores binary numbers and the powers of 2 and their applications, including binary patterns and codes in calculators, photocopiers, and spell-checkers. Using intriguing problems, activities, and games, students will investigate computer design and memory; study population and growth patterns; decipher the postal zip code system; examine number patterns and probability; and explore family trees and the ancestral paradox. Answer key included. 76 pages. For grades 5 and up. This book is designed for   independent student use, and is not reproducible, but neither does it require students to write in it.  OP, but I have some available. BTH-68.  $9.95*.

Building a Teen Center: An Integrated Algebra Project by Mary Ann Christina. A Key Curriculum Publication with blackline activity masters for grades 6-10.

Exploring Math Through Puzzles: Blackline Masters for Making of 50 Puzzles by Wei Zhang. A Key Curriculum publication. This book includes blackline masters with step-by-step instructions for making over 50 puzzles that can be made from common and easily obtained materials such as string, beads, wire, wooden cubes, colored stickers, keys, pencils, etc. Geometry teachers will appreciate the puzzles' links to three-dimensional visualization, while algebra teachers will like the problem solving experience they will give students. There are extensive teacher's notes that discuss the history and background of each puzzle described, along with practical tips for making the puzzles, a list of materials, hints for solutions,  and a list of additional resources. For grades 5-12. Soft cover, punched for 3-hole notebook. BTH-4757. $15.26-D

Extreme Math: Real Math, Real People, Real Sports, by Kip Tyler and Marya Washington Tyler. Prufrock Press, 2004. The authors compare math to extreme sports because both challenge people to seek the outer limits of their potential. They face the unknown and grow in courage as they overcome their fears. Math is also a pursuit of the unknown. In this book, students will meet several figures who participate in a variety of extreme sports-- freestyle kayaking, skydiving, bronco riding, adventure racing, hang gliding, scuba diving, mountain climbing, and polar bear swimming. As each figure is introduced in the context of his or her sport with black and white action photos, related math concepts and problems are presented for students to learn and solve. Answers are included. 75 pages. For grades 5-10. BTH-3804. $13.46-D

Graphic Algebra, A Key Curriculum book for grades 8-11. Provides activities to use with graphing calculators and software.

Hands-On Math: Manipulative Activities for the Classroom, Grades K-1 by Virginia Johnson. Creative Teaching Press, Second Edition, 2006. This standards-based resource book contains over 200 hands-on activities that use commonly available materials to help reinforce math skills. The main section headings are Numbers and Operations (which include activities on sets and quantities, numbers and symbols, operations, fractions and place value, estimation and money); Algebra; Geometry; Measurement;  and Data Analysis and Probability. Included are bulletin board and learning center ideas, At the end of the book are reproducible forms and a list of related literature.144 pages. BTH-1712. $17.99-D

Hands-On Math: Manipulative Activities in the Classroom, Grades 2-3 by Glenda Nugent. This resource book contains over 200 hands-on activities that use commonly available materials. The author believes that a teacher who is enthusiastic about hands-on learning holds the key to success in an activities-based math program.  The core of the book consists of 14 chapters, each of which has bulletin board ideas, a skills list, suggestions for a learning center, math journal ideas, and about 10-15 chapter activities for children to do. Chapter topics are Number Sense, Classifying and Sorting , Patterns,  Addition and  Subtraction, Fractions, Multiplication and Division, Geometry, Graphing, Estimation, Time, Measurement, Money, Logical Reasoning, and Probability. At the end of the book are Parent Letters, reproducibles, and a list of related literature. 240 pages. BTH-1713. $17.99-D

It's Alive! Math That Makes You Squirm by Asa Kleiman and David Washington. Prufrock Press. ©1996. Reproducible for classroom use. 51 pages. For gifted students in grades 3-9. This book contains some weird and bizarre word problems that will challenge, motivate and gross-out math students who like the unusual. There are more than 50 problems, with space for working each problem. Problems deal with subjects as diverse as the number of stadium seats with gum on them and in which flavors, to how many toilets flushing at the same time would it take to overflow the city's tank for processing toilet water. Students will figure out how many skin scales peel off their bodies in 20 minutes, how many acres of pizza Americans eat in a day, how far a fly would walk if it nibbled its way around the edge of a prune frosted tofu cake, and much more. Answers are provided. BTH-1462. $13.46-D

It's Alive... and Kicking: Math the Way it Ought to Be -- Tough, Fun, and a Little Weird by Asa Kleiman and David Washington. Prufrock Press. ©1996. Reproducible for classroom use.  For gifted students in grades 3-9. This sequel to It's Alive! contains another 50 crazy illustrated problems based on known facts applied in unique and sometimes bizarre ways. In this book students will explore how many bacteria they take in with each breath, how many saliva droplets their teacher will expel in a 50-minute lecture, how long it would take the average person to fill a hot air balloon with his own body gas,  and many other possibilities, a good number of which (but not all) deal with bodily functions. Answers are provided. BTH-1463.. $13.46-D

The Knots Puzzle Book: Looking at Knots in a Different Way...A Collection of Interesting Mathematical Ideas by Heather McLeay. This delightful book of 36 ingenious puzzles appeals to anyone who likes puzzles and is curious about concepts of a mathematical nature. It’s an easy-to-understand introduction to the theory of knots that opens up a rich and interesting set of ideas, investigations, and surprises. The puzzles move from basic to complex. Most can be solved by looking and thinking, but for some puzzles it’s helpful to have a length of real string or rope at hand. Spend just a few minutes with this book and you’ll find yourself drawn quickly into the fascinating geometry of knots! Puzzle solutions and a bibliography of related readings are included. Cat. BTH-480. $11.66-D

Mall Math: A Fun, Fast-Paced Game to Reinforce Basic Math Skills by Linda Schwartz. The Learning Works, ©2002. This game in a book helps students enjoy  solving word problems. The game is set in the mall, and as students "shop" they solve story problems which require using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages. The object of the game is to visit five store, solve a math problem, collect a token from each store, and exit the mall. Colorful game board and all other game components are included in the book. The game reinforces standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. There are over 140 word problems in the game. For grades 4-6. BTH-623. $10.79-D

Math Graphic Organizers Grades1-2: Simple and Effective Strategies for Solving Math Word Problems by Davilla Harding. Creative Teaching Press, 2003. 112 pages. This book teaches students in grades 1-2 a 4-step process for solving any kind of primary math word problem: (1) Find the  key words in the problem. (2) Draw or use a graphic organizer to show the activity the word problem describes. (3) Translate that activity into a number sentence. (4) Describe the solution in writing. This will help students who have trouble discerning what the problem is really asking them to do be able to visualize the problems.

This book features a full-color pull-out chart, reproducible graphic organizers, whole-class activities, and independent practice pages. BTH-2502. $14.39-D

Math Graphic Organizers Grades3-4: Simple and Effective Strategies for Solving Math Word Problems by Davilla Harding. Creative Teaching Press, 2003. 112 pages. This book teaches students in grades 3-4 a simple 4-step process for solving any kind of primary math word problem: (1) Find the  key words in the problem. (2) Draw or use a graphic organizer to show the activity the word problem describes. (3) Translate that activity into a number sentence. (4) Describe the solution in writing. This will help students who have trouble discerning what the problem is really asking them to do be able to visualize the problems.

This book features a full-color pull-out chart, reproducible graphic organizers, whole-class activities, and independent practice pages. BTH-2503. $14.39-D

Math Investigations: Using Logical-Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills by Tom Rice. Teacher Created materials, © 2003. For grades 7 and up. 112 pages. This is a collection of seven applications of mathematics, each of which focuses on a theme familiar to the students. They will present a challenge and include a variety of twists and turns as students solve the  problems. Here is a list of the investigations:

•  Exposing the Mole: a logic problem presented in the form of a card game.

• The Last Second Shot: uses probability to determine strategies in the last seconds of a basketball game.

• Look to the Cookie: an investigation in geometry presented in the context of sharing a cookie

• Only the Weak Survive: a  probability situation presented in the context of a popular reality show-type scenario

• Pickin' Chicken: an investigation into the purchase of combinations of "nuggets"

• Popcorn Economics: an investigation in number sense presented in the context of buying popcorn in a movie theater

• Red Rover: students use logic to determine the most efficient method of winning a game.

Also included are reproducible pages for students to use as reflection journals so they can write about their experiences in solving the problems. There is also a standards correlation page for the investigations. BTH-1466. $11.66-D

Mathability: Math in the Real World by Michael Cain, Dandy Lion, ©2004. Reproducible for classroom use. For grades 5-8. This is a program to help middle schoolers build problem solving abilities while demonstrating the practical applications for what they learn in their math classes. All problems deal with real world situations that require the use of math. There are four types of problems:

• Step-by-Step problems for remediation or for introducing a specific type of problem. In this type of problem, each step of the solution is outlined, and space is provided for students to do the calculations and explain their work.

• Prompted Practice problems, which provide less guidance, but still offer space for student work and explanations.

• Independent Practice problems offer no help in solving the problem -- just space.

• Challenge problems likewise do not offer guidance, but they are more difficult and are appropriate for challenging gifted students or reinforce work students have accomplished doing the other types of problems.

Problems deal with such subjects as raising a pet, owning a business, going on vacation, buying furniture for a house, designing a new car, etc. 79 pages, including answers. BTH-659. $11.66-D

Math Skills for the Workforce, by Steck-Vaughn. Teaches math necessary for job success at a secondary math level but written at a grade 4-6 reading level. Consumable worktexts.  For details and titles in series, click here.

Money Matters: How to Be a Smart Consumer by Katherine Howe and Judith Edelstein. A reproducible consumer math course for grades 4-6. This unit focuses on helping students build awareness of market forces and develop skills that enable them to ask the right questions, analyze their motivations, and recognize their options. Students will learn to spend their money wisely, learn to distinguish between wants and needs, budget, understand credit and interest,  use a checking account, comparison shop, and shop by mail and the internet.  They will also learn the differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism. 47 pages. Includes group lesson plans and reproducible worksheets. BTH-4758. $8.96-D

The Only Math Book You'll Ever Need: Hundreds of Easy Solutions and Shortcuts for Mastering Everyday Numbers, by Stanley Kogelman. This book is geared to adults who have forgotten or never learned the practical kind of math needed to solve everyday problems: estimating the amount of paint needed to cover a wall; balancing a checkbook; handling personal and business finances; converting recipes; and much more. Digest size paperback book, 268 indexed pages. BTH-7890, $11.70-D

Mathematical Quilts--No Sewing Required by Diana Venters and E.K. Ellison. Published by Key Curriculum Press. For grades 6-12. This book was born because two mathematics teachers who worked together also took quilting classes together and began to see the quilt possibilities in many of the mathematical concepts in texts and journals. They became convinced of the value of designing quilts as a learning tool. The activities in this book help student improve their visualization skills, as well as their skills in analysis, informal deduction, and formal deduction - levels one -four of the van Hiele model of the five levels of learning geometry. This book should be especially helpful to those students who have trouble with formal geometry but are otherwise capable students because its activities take these students through the first three levels of learning successfully so that they are able to also be successful in the fourth level.

The book is divided into three sections, each featuring quilts with similar designs: "Golden Ratio Quilts," "Spiral Quilts," "Right Triangle Quilts", and the "Tiling Quilts." After students are introduced to the theme, they encounter a series of activities that guide them through the mathematical  concepts related to that particular kind of quilt design. Each section includes research activities, technology activities for graphing calculators and computers, and Internet activities. In conclusion students recreate the quilt pattern with an emphasis on the art of the design. Students can actually learn how to sew the quilt if they are interested in doing it. 168 pages. Blackline activity masters included. Punched to fit standard three-hole notebook. Cat BTH-482. $18.86-D

Patty Paper Geometry by Michael Serra. A Key Curriculum Press book. Shows how to use the paper restaurants use to separate hamburger patties as cheap manipulatives in your geometry classes.

Success with Math: Prealgebra, Prufrock Press, 2007. This book is a combination prealgebra word problem and project books and is intended as a supplement to the regular prealgebra curriculum. Each page focuses on one or two concepts of prealgebra and can easily be assigned along with other homework. There is plenty of room on each worksheet for students to show. their work. In addition to the exercises, there are several extended projects in the second half of the book, most of which are designed to be completed in one to two class periods. In this book, students will review conversions, geometric properties, statistics, problem solving, and algebraic formulas. A teacher's guide and conversion tables are also included. For grades 5-8. 71 pages. BTH-3771. $10.76-D

Success with Math: Decimals, Prufrock Press, 2005. For grades 5-7. The exercises in this supplementary book allow students to work sequentially through each concept in decimals and practice their skills before moving on to the next concept. Each type of problem is explained in an introductory page and followed by two practice pages. Periodic cumulative review pages may be used for additional practice or assessment. This step-by-step approach is also good for independent study. The books units include comparing and ordering decimals; adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals; rounding decimals; and converting decimals to percents, fractions, and scientific notation. This book meets NCTM standards. 64 pages. BTH-3772. $10.76-D

Tall Tale Math Series from Educational Impressions : Humorous Story Problems for the Middle Grades  Designed to help instructors implement the current Curriculum and Evaluation Standards, these books help students understand and utilize the fundamentals of mathematics. Each book is divided into three sections:

1. Review Sheets contain easy-to-understand definitions and examples that clearly explain concepts

2. Skill Builder Sheets present humorous, creative   story problems; each focuses on a specific concept, which is stated at the top of the page.

3. Extra Practice Sheets add an additional challenge for those who have mastered the previous sections.

For grades 5-9: Available titles:

Tall-Tale Math: Book 1: Number Sense covers rounding decimals; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals; finding common denominators; reducing fractions; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions; percents; and integers. BTH-037. $11.66-D   

Tall-Tale Math: Book 2: Pre-Algebra,  covers variables; using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve equations; combining like terms; working with fractions contains parentheses and negative and positive integers; writing algebraic expressions; writing equations for word problems; and using proportion to solve equations. BTH-038. $11.66-D   

Tall-Tale Math: Book 3: Geometry Basics covers points, lines and planes; types of lines; angles; complimentary and supplementary angles; congruent angles; quadrilaterals; triangles; circles and pie; perimeter; area,; volume; ratio and proportion; congruent and similar figures; square roots; and  the Pythagorean Theorem. BTH-039. $11.66-D   

Tall-Tale Math: Book 4: Data and Measurement covers the Metric System; converting customary units to metric units and metric units to customary units; units of measurement, including length, weight, area, volume, capacity , time, and temperature; reading an information table; and reading line, bar, picture, and circle graphs. BTH-040. $11.66-D   

Thought Provokers, by Doug Rohrer. Drawings by Joe Spooner. These 47 puzzles, both originals and embellishments of classics, are designed not to test students, but to instruct and entertain them. Creative and well-paced hints intrigue students while developing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Designed as blackline masters, Thought Provokers presents one humorously illustrated problem per page. Make individual student problem sheets, or assign problems to students working in a cooperative learning setting. Post problems on the wall as attractive and interesting decorations for your classroom. An excellent resource for warm-up activities in the secondary classroom. 64 pages including hints and answers.  For grades 9-12. Cat. BTH-4690. $11.66-D

More Thought Provokers: This second volume of brain teasers intrigues readers with 50 more provocative problems. Author Doug Rohrer entertains students with creative, instructive puzzles that foster cooperative learning and develop critical thinking skills. Designed as blackline masters and illustrated in the same humorous style as the original Thought Provokers, each page contains a single problem that will spark student discussion while developing problem-solving skills.  64 pages including hints and answers. BTH-4691. $11.66-D

Nim: Serious Math with a Simple Game, by Christopher M. Freeman. Produced by Dandy Lion Publications.
Nim is a simple game, but winning consistently requires logic and mathematical analysis. Exploring the many variations of the game and the strategies for winning presents opportunities to explore several fields of math from an inductive approach. Over twenty variations are presented with simple, attractive game rules for students and detailed explanations for teachers. All you need is this text and a pile of paper clips for a year's worth of educational fun. 61 pages. Reproducible for classroom use. For grades 5-8. Cat BTH-663. $10.76

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Piece of Pi: Wit-Sharpening, Brain-Bruising, Number Crunching Activities with Pi by Naila Bokhari. Discover the number that has intrigued mathematicians for centuries. Learn all the different ways pi has been calculated through the ages, use pi to figure your hat size, perform experiments, relate pi to the alphabet. These fascinating activities offer a complete overview of this important number. Includes detailed lesson plans and reproducible student worksheets. For grades 6-8. 48 pages. Features time line and eye-catching graphics. Cat. BTH-662. $9.86-D

Unfolding Mathematics with Unit Origami by Betty France. Key Curriculum Press. Black Line Activity Masters, punched to fit standard three-hole notebook. This book, with its elegant illustrations and detailed folding and assembly directions, will show you and your students how to create intriguing three-dimensional models. the sixteen activities, in blackline master form, first present simple folding techniques that transform square pieces of paper into a variety of geometric shapes. As students repeat the folding sequences, they create identical units that combine to form tetrahedra, cubes, octahedra, and much more. After they learn the basics, students can go on to invent their own unique polyhedra. These activities can to used in middle and high school algebra and geometry classes. Most can be finished in one class period. 115 pages. Cat # BTH-1420. $17.06-D