cover image Math Lab for Kids: Fun, Hands-On Activities for Learning with Shapes, Puzzles, and Games

Math Lab for Kids: Fun, Hands-On Activities for Learning with Shapes, Puzzles, and Games

Rebecca Rapoport and J.A. Yoder. Quarry, $24.99 paper (144p) ISBN 978-1-63159-252-2

More than 50 activities connected to mathematical concepts—geometry, fractals, and tangrams, among others—are explored through 37 “labs” that feature step-by-step instructions and photographs. The authors succinctly describe core concepts (“In topology, you can stretch, squeeze, or twist a shape without changing what kind of shape it is”), which are supplemented by sidebars that delve into the associated terminology, profile mathematicians, and suggest additional activities. Required materials are all readily available: in the opening pages, children can use gumdrops and toothpicks like Tinkertoys to build cubes, pyramids, and other three-dimensional structures; many projects need nothing more than pencil and paper. Removable paper templates are provided for some of the activities. Rapaport and Yoder make the projects accessible to readers of varying skill levels, whether they are learning about basic shapes or developing a more advanced understanding of mathematics. Ages 7–10. (Jan.)