2, 4, 6, 8—Let's Start to Calculate (Calculator Math) (Tj, Ts) by Jessica DavidsonReview by: Paul M. SadlerThe Mathematics Teacher, Vol. 70, No. 7 (OCTOBER 1977), p. 631Published by: National Council of Teachers of MathematicsStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27961025 .

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Problems" (easy) and "

Problems" (more difficult). A "Mind Boggier" section includes a discussion of

such ideas as chain letters, biorhythm charts, and Eu

ler's formula. Examples are also given within the exer

cise sets themselves and are set apart by using a gray area.

Even though the text has a conventional instruc

tional format, the many innovative features mentioned

above will keep students highly motivated and inter

ested throughout a course on trigonometry.?Span

gler.

2, 4, 6, 8?Let's Start to Calculate (Calculator Math)

(Tj, Ts), Jessica Davidson. 1976, 49 pp., $3.95,

Cuisenaire Company of America, 12 Church St., New Rochelle, NY 10805.

Many teachers are reluctant to allow students to use

calculators in the classroom. It will be several years before enough evidence is gathered to allow for an

informed decision regarding effective classroom usage. Meanwhile, we must deal with the fact that the pocket calculator is readily accessible and inexpensive. This

text is an innovative approach that I think will appeal to a majority of our students. The materials are de

signed for fifth through ninth grade levels, but 1 be

lieve older students will also enjoy an introduction to

the calculator. For students with deficiencies in com

putational skills and a lack of interest in mathematics, the text can be used for motivation and enrichment

activities.

The book consists of three sections. The first sec

tion, labeled as easy, teaches the basic operation of a

calculator and should be completed by all beginning students. The second section is labeled as hard and

provides for enrichment in a variety of topics. The last

section is designed to challenge the more able student.

The instructional format is a programmed ap

proach, with students receiving immediate reinforce ment by working with their calculator. Sometimes stu

dents are asked to work the problem using paper-and pencil first, then check using their calculator. I am not

convinced they will do much manual calculating when

the calculator is at hand?experience will tell. Direc

tions and explanations on calculator operation are

given in a parallel format for calculators with and

without memory. Additionally, recommended features are listed to aid in the selection of a calculator for

school or personal use.?Sadler.

The Whole Craft of Number (L, P), Douglas M. Camp bell, 1976, viii + 514 pp., $12.50. Prindle, Weber &

Schmidt, 20 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116.

When people are interpreting the "back to basics" movement as resorting to algorithmic calculations, it is encouraging to find a book also concerned about

mathematics. This text is just that. It does teach al

gebra and geometry, but it also puts the content in

perspective to its historical development as an element of the society. It draws resources from history, uses

alternate practices now in existence, puts exercises in a

human environment, and intersperses it all with what

the author calls "Tidbits," which is the interesting mathematics one usually does not find time to do.

The mathematics is accurate and has a i auge of

difficulty that will challenge weak and strong students. There are many historical photographs and many il

lustrations both mathematical and comic. The exer

cises are many but not repetitious, with answers to

those of a computational nature.

This is a delightful book, and the student who

studies mathematics can't help but see that mathe

matics and society affect each other.?Peak.

"a new approach to arithmetic and algebra... rooted in

everyday experience. Mathtiles

Manual.$9.95 Student

Labsheets... 8.95

Send for our free full-color MATHTILES brochure: KEY CURRICULUM PROJECT

P.O. Box 2304, Berkeley, CA 94702

Key to Algebra by Peter Rasmussen ' ? is a great set

of smalt pamphlets that provide practice in the basic skills.

Do take a took at these booklets..." The Mathematics Teacher

January, 1974

Send $1.80 per set of four workbooks to:

KEY CURRICULUM PROJECT P.O. Box 2304, Berkeley, CA 94702

October 1977 631

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