Customer Reviews (1)

File Folder Games Grade 1
Book arrived promptly and in good condition.Useful activities for teaching math and reading. ... Read more

Product Description
Help pre-school through Grade 1 students develop and reinforce beginning math. Games and activities for both whole class and small groups introduce developmentally-appropriate concepts in a fun and interactive way. The step-by-step directions are easily followed by classroom teachers, aids, or parent volunteers. Plus each book includes all patterns and game pieces to save prep time.Includes CD with full-color patterns. ... Read more

Book Description
Millions have seen the movie and thousands have read the book but few have fully appreciated the mathematics invented by John Nash's beautiful mind. Today Nash's beautiful math has become a universal language for research in the social sciences and has infiltrated the realms of evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and even quantum physics.

John Nash won the 1994 Nobel Prize in economics for pioneering research published in the 1950s on a new branch of mathematics known as game theory. At the time of Nash's early work, game theory was briefly popular among some mathematicians and Cold War analysts. But it remained relatively obscure until the 1970s, when evolutionary biologists began to find it useful. In the 1980s economists began to embrace game theory.Since then game theory math has found an ever expanding repertoire of applications among a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Today neuroscientists peer into game players' brains, anthropologists play games with people from primitive cultures, biologists use games to explain the evolution of human language, and mathematicians exploit games to better understand social networks.

A common thread connecting much of this research is its relevance to the ancient quest for a science of human social behavior, or "a Code of Nature," in the spirit of the fictional science of psychohistory described in the famous Foundation novels by the late Isaac Asimov. In A Beautiful Math, acclaimed science writer Tom Siegfried describes how game theory links the life sciences, social sciences and physical sciences in a way that may bring Asimov's dream closer to reality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Journalistic hypes and some patently false claims
I am an academic economist who knows something about game theory, so when I bought this book I did not hope to learn anything new but just to be entertained by an "illuminating" author during my leisure hours. I was disappointed to the point of anger.

This book is basically a journalist's report based on interviews with a few (probably half a dozen) individuals as the pages are filled with quotes from several academics in good standing.I think it would have been better to simply present many illuminating quotes from these individuals without inserting additional insights that the author gleaned from them, because many of the author's insertions were at best misleading and at worst patently false.

Just for an example, the author keeps insisting that payoff numbers in games are "money" as economists are interested in monetary matters. It might probably be true that von Neumann preferred interpreting payoffs of a game as money, but most practicing economists and game theorists certaintly do not do that.

An annoying repeated phrase is that "xxx told me (in an exclusive interview) that..." where xxx is one of the half dozen individuals mentioned above.Most of what xxx told the author must be correct, relevant and have some meaning but these are simply taken out of context by bits and spread throughout the text.

Also the basic hype about game theory's possibility to be a Theory of Everything seems to come out of (as the author admits) one person's recent writings at Bell Labs. The idea itself presented as such sounds simply outrageous (even to an academic economist like myself) but rather a surpring fact is that game theory's origins are in fact related to such an outrageous idea from physicists, mathematicians and "cyberneticians", one story of which is told in Mirowski, Machine Dreams. Mirowski's book has its own faults, and is a lot more heavy going (with some 500 + pages with small fonts and requiring a lot of knowledge), but at least it shows seriousness and a lot of research the author took to it.

Brilliantly understood and explained, questionably authored.
The book jacket tells us that Seigfried won an award "for interpreting [science] for the public."I'm sure that that award was well deserved, for he has a knack for taking complex ideas and presenting them to a less-educated crowd.His two or three page explanations of concepts that took me weeks (and loads of homework/study) to grasp are nothing short of amazing.He often uses examples or analogies rooted in works of fiction to illustrate his points.The way these works are summarized to include only relevant information, and yet still capture the essence of those stories, is marvelous.Also, unlike many books of this genre, after reading it I did not feel like I needed to re-take any classes or brush up on my math.In fact, the most in-depth math involved (calculating a Nash equilibrium) should be crystal clear to a tenth-grader, and it is conveniently relocated to an appendix so that it doesn't bother any take-your-word-for-it readers.

Why only three stars then? Because this is a book review, and explanatory prowess isn't the only thing that it takes to write a book.

The humor in the book is very hit-and-miss.I wouldn't remove it, because when it hits... it's wonderful, but perhaps he should've gotten a humor-editor, someone to help him decide what to include and what to leave out.For example, Seigfried goes about explaining the mathematical differences between what he calls a "Robinson Crusoe economy" (one in which a single person makes decisions about fixed values) and a "Gilligan's island economy" (one in which each person makes decisions based upon other people, who make decisions based on other people, who...).Seigfried states that,

"Mathematically, that meant that no longer could you simply compute ... for Robinson Crusoe.Your calculationshad to accommodate ... for Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire, and his wife, the movie star, the Professor, and Mary Ann."

How cool! But then there are other instances.While using a game between fictional characters Alice and Bob to demonstrate some simple game theory, he inserts parenthetically: "(As I said, Alice would probably tell him to shove it)," directly between two rules of the game.We had already been told that this game was not in Alice's favor, and that it was simplified for the purpose of example.The text is peppered about equally with good, relevant, non-interrupting humor, as it is with not-so-good humor.

Furthermore, while he can explain very-high-level science to a high-school-graduate (and two thumbs up for that) his narration seems to be directed at an audience with a damaged memory.I say this because we are told at least four times that Colin Camerer is into Behavioral Game Theory, and that Neuroeconomics is a fledgling hybrid field.
The organization of the book favors the understanding of game theory over the understanding of its history.One is presented with concepts fundamental to game theory, some uses of it, some game theory developments, some views into advanced game theory; it works very well to foster understanding.With each chunk of theory work, Seigfried includes the history (which I was pleasantly surprised at--it's fascinating) that contributed to that chunk of theory.The problem here is that the first section takes place mostly in the eighteenth century, the second-to-last section in the twenty-first, and the last section in the seventeenth and also the twentieth.The jumping around in time was confusing.I can't say what the best organisational method is, but I don't think this is it.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the hype that he gives game theory.I am interested in it, that's why I picked up the book, and the occasional renewal of that interest was nice, but he takes it a step too far.The reader is told time and time again how freakin' amazing game theory is, it's all true.The problem is that after pages of this game theory hype, and a mid-book discrediting of some evolutionary psychologists who dared disagree, I begin to question how strongly his bias is affecting his writing. It doesn't come across too strongly until the final few pages (which, in my mind, bumped it down from a four-star) in which he compares game theory to a unified field theory, or physics' golden "theory of everything."He says game theory is the theory concerned with everything else (i.e. the social/biological/economic half of everything).I agree that it could be a framework to hold "everything else" together, but that's like saying that all baked goods can be divided between pie, and things-with-frosting.It doesn't include the whole picture, and it does so in a deceptive way.

I should, however, admit that I am subject to the same type of biases as the author.When I read, in that last few pages, that:

"Game theory is not, however, the same as the popular 'Theory of Everything' that theoretical physicists have long sought.That quest is mearly for the equations describing all of nature's basic particles and forces, the math describing the building blocks."

I became quite upset: MEARLY?! that theory is only one of the most important goals of science, ever!Well, you can see that my bias clouds my judgement too, interperet as you will...


So buy this book, I can't stress enough how great the explanations within are, but take it with a grain of salt (and perhaps some of your own research).

for the beginner and rather misleading
This is a 215 page book.If you are familiar with the Prisoner's Dilemma there just isn't a whole lot here for you.The discussionof statistical mechanics pales in comparison (and is rather similar to the outline of) Philip Ball's vastly superior "Critical Mass".Go there first. I know that is a different subject but a good chunk of this book discusses it.The author creates a ridiculous and unrealistic strawman of evolutionary pyschology and then repeatedly belittles it because human societies are variable (what a novel and unexpected concept!).Usuaully the author presents one example of work within each field he discusses - I suppose this keeps it readable but disappointing light fare.Go read "Critical Mass", don't waste your time with this.

I think I get it know
I first picked up this book because I thought it would be more of a biography of John Nash.The book is more a discussion of how game theory can be used to help understand nature.

The book was very readable and even gave me a historic perspective about where this trend is going.Although there is some very limited math in the book, it is very clearly explained.The books is very readable and engaging.

After reading this book, I know want to know more about game theory and its predictive capabilities.I would highly recommend this book.

Far-Reaching Theory Now Accessible
The movie "A Beautiful Mind" was inspiring and touching.But, it really did not explain Nash's contributions to the world in the form of game theory.Now readers have a chance to understand the theory and practice behind this Nobel Prize winning discovery in Tom Siegfried's book, "A Beautiful Math."
This thorough, historical, mathematical, and metaphorical description of game theory really helps me to see the implications of Nash's discovery.This work influences psychology, evolutionary biology, sociology, anthropology,statistical physics, quantum physics and more. Its far-reaching implications are brought to life within an eloquent explanation that touches on all branches of science. ... Read more

Book Description
One of the best ways young students learn is through play. This book contains 23 games and 21 centers that make practicing math concepts and skills exciting for young students.

The games are organized around six themes -- crayons, frogs, puppies, mittens, peanuts. There are three to five games plus center suggestions for each theme. Skills are repeated in the various themes to develop learning mastery. Skills practiced: count to 20, graphing, patterning, geometric shapes, sort sets, ordinal numbers, number recognition, and numerical order.

Here is a description of two games:

"Find My Lily Pad" -- Reproducible pages contain frogs with numerals 1-10 and lily pads with 1-10 flies. Each student is given a lily pad. Teacher holds up a frog. Students read the numeral on the frog; the student with the lily pad showing that number of flies lays the lily pad in the center of the circle for the frog to be placed on.

"Sort the Puppies" -- Reproducible pages contain eight different puppies and four different mother dogs. Students work together to sort puppies by various attributes. For advanced play, the puppies are matched with the mother dogs.

Complete step-by-step directions for how to make and how to play. Games are simple and inexpensive to make, using common classroom materials; a few extras needed. Variations are suggested to accommodate different learning levels. All the patterns you need for the game parts are included. Fun, instructive illustrations throughout. All 112 pages perforated for easy removal. ... Read more

Book Description
Don't Just Learn Multiplication...Master It! Brimming with fun and educational games and activities, the Magical Math series provides everything you need to know to become a master of mathematics! In each of these books, Lynette Long uses her own unique style to help you truly understand mathematical concepts as you play with everyday objects such as playing cards, dice, coins, paper, and pencil. InsideMarvelous Multiplication,you will explore and solve the mysteries of multiplication.You'll use ten tasty snacks to learn the one times table, get to know the ten times table using finger paints, and write a zany story using the multiples of a number to practice the multiplication tables.You'll go on to learn even more about multiplication by deciphering the fascinating puzzles of prime factors, exponents, and three digit multiplication while playing games like Prime Solitaire, Three by Three, and Fingers!So why wait? Jump right in and find out how easy it is to become a mathematics master! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellant practice for "thinking" problems
You can teach your child to add and subtract, multiply and divide without workbooks. But the schools now insist on what they call "thinking" problems. These types of problems ususally are justconfusing to kids because they are hard to understand. But the problems inthis book really do stimulate thinking and they also offer the"confusion" factor that comes in trying to figure out what theywant. Hey, we are stuck with these types of problems in the schools,whether you like them or not.This book has excellant problems and theyhave the answers in the back of the book. My daughter is 8 years old andshe has found this a challenge. You still need to drill your child in thebasic math facts, and this book does not do that, but you don't need a bookfor that. You do need a workbook of "thinking" problems. I thinkthe teachers' colleges have lost their minds. This whole approach isflawed, but this workbook will help you teach your child how to cope withthis goofy stuff. I highly recommend this book. And, wow, it's cheap! ... Read more

Book Description
Innovative games promote learning through play -- the proven path to success in school.

At last Dorling Kindersley quality is available in a new group of games designed for the younger set. Full-color photos and bold graphics plus traditional and original, specially created games make these the playthings children will return to again and again.

Math Puzzles: Math skills practice for the early elementary grades. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Making Math Fun -- Even for Toddlers!
This is as simple as it gets: It's a set of cardboard puzzle pieces displaying basic addition and subtraction equations. For example, you can match the piece that says "1+5" with the piece that says "=6". The pieces that go together are cleverly designed with a unique interlocking edge, so you can't connect "1+5" with any other solution.

I know there's a game involving these equations, but in our house we've never even read the directions. That's because my son, who loves his "numbers puzzle," is only 3 years old, supposedly way too young for this activity. That doesn't stop him from poring over the pieces and fitting them together into equations. He loves it! Because of this set, my 3-year-old now knows as much math as most first graders. His only complaint (and the reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5) is that the numbers end at 10. He wants to add and subtract larger numbers! DK Publishers: how about a "sequel"? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

What a lifesaver!
I love these new file folder books! I work with special needs children and these are just great. They are very colorful and look so much better than the ones you make with crayons and markers. Really simple to put together too. Just cut out the pieces and laminate. Really nice bright colors. I have already purchased another one! Very happy with this purchase.

PK Colorful File Folder Games
Book arrived promptly and has been useful - contains good ideas ... Read more

Product Description
Did you like Math or Science in school? Have you played games that stimulated your thought processes for Math and Science? Trying to be creative in your Math, Science or leadership class? Can leadership be taught? Is leadership an Art or a Science or Math? Seeking to impact your training program with creative games?A primer for leadership development, this book introduces Math and Science games with a review process component that can be used for leadership instruction. The book highlights key leadership principles which show that leaders must: Ask questions; Be disciplined; Create and see things differently; Develop resources; Engage in active listening; Make priorities; Multiply leaders; Problem solve; Set an example; Sacrifice; Search and explore; Strategize; Support diversity; Work in teams and collaborate. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Wading through puns to learn mathematics
Like the man who replaced Babe Ruth in the Yankee outfield, Ian Stewart is replacing a legend. When Martin Gardner "retired" as the editor of the Mathematical Games column of Scientific American it was eventually taken over by A. K. Dewdney and became Computer Recreations. Now written by Ian Stewart and called Mathematical Recreations, it is proving a worthy successor to the master. This book is a collection of twelve essays that explain serious mathematics using an unserious approach.
Set in a format that is best described as a chatty fable with puns included, the essays are certainly easy to read. However, as is usual with material containing a lot of puns, they do at times distract from the point of the essay. And those points are very good. The topology of a warm blanket, the odds of beating a tennis player that is better than you, logic and the construction of viruses are some of the topics covered in this book. All are presented as mathematical recreations with a minimum of computer involvement.
No one could possibly replace Martin Gardner. The best that can be done is to carve a successful, distinctive niche, which is what Ian Stewart has done.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

Interesting but difficult
The book is a set of puzzles for the reader to solve, often involving a family of worms that have to split a blanket, cut a cheese, or some other commonplace task that nonetheless can take mathematics to solve in therequired way.The author originally wrote the puzzles for the Frenchedition of Scientific American.Some of the mathematics involved is thestandard (but interesting) pop-math like games with infinity, but othersget into topology and higher mathematics.While many of the puzzles arequite interesting, a few will lose the casual reader (even thewell-informed casual reader.)Nevertheless, the pleasure of sticking itout for the good ones repays the pain. ... Read more

Product Description
Skill Based Games that Make Learning Fun, Reinforces math skills, Helps students feel successful, and designedfor partners, small groups, or the whole class ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Child teaches herself
My daughter understood patterns completely from this book!!! Thank you!!!

My daughter is very visual. She loves most of the games, and sets them up herself.

Spend some time making pieces right. I attached the velcro and laminated pieces. I did not laminated boards. When I tried making her play without the velcro/lamintation, she was not interested.

FIle Folder Centers Book- A great addition to any classroom!
These make excellent centers as well as individual seat work ideas in my classroom.They are full color and easy to cut out.

file folder activities
This is a really good resource to add to language arts and math centers.All the activities are colored and ready to laminate.Although I would rather it be for reproducing for future use to replace worn ones.

Colorful File Folder Games
This is a great tool for teachers.I am a special education teacher and I teach gardes kindergarten through second grade.I have used this book to help me create many different file folder games that my students enjoy.It is a great product. ... Read more

Book Description

This new title features a wide range of card games that provide anentertaining way to practice and master basic math skills from countingand numeration through operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals,percents, and geometry. This series also incorporates NCTM standards.These fun and engaging books have teacher pages for reviewing andpresenting new concepts, clear instructions and directions for creatingthe games, and ideas and extensions for added learning. The studentpages outline the rules and guidelines for playing each game in a funand inviting format. These books are perfect for individual play andtutoring, learning centers or small group instruction.

Product Description
This book is a compilation of mathematics games and problem-solving activites for grades 3-9. These ideas are intended to be used as a supllement to any mathmatics program.The games provide concept and skill development practice as well as oportunities to develop a stategy to win. The activites provide practice on specific problem-solving strategies, such as making tables, fining patterns, generalizing and working backwards. The games and activities can be done at school or at home. ... Read more

Book Description
Devised for high school students who want to improve their math SAT scores, this study guide offers a comprehensive strategy for approaching the test. Concise and efficiently organized, this book provides powerful techniques for improving scores dramatically in the short term, as well as acquiring long-term test-taking savvy. Difficult test questions are explained in a clear, step-by-step fashion to give students the skills to approach the test with confidence. Included are tips that are particularly useful for students who have been granted extended time to take the test. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

D.Padhiar
Keller is a great author whose done his work on trying to find out ways to help students. After reviewing this book, I felt that it helped me greatly, and prepared me well for the math section of the SAT's.

Stellar Math SAT Prep
Keller knows what he's talking about. As a former physics student of his I can say with complete sincerity that he's the best teacher of my high school career. He goes above and beyond because he is passionate about what he does. It consequently makes sense that his SAT prep is not only effective but extremely efficient. In the four weeks that I learned his techniques and my proficiency rapidly excelled. It makes sense. Keller takes his time to research and understand the student experience. He's a man that is constantly challenging himself with new material. The learning experience is always fresh in his mind and in this way he is able to take on a dual ability: To effectively render understanding and understand exactly where understanding will be obscured. He knows when to pause for absorption of material and when to explain further. He's gifted at his trade and the academic community is fortunate to have him.

Best of its kind I've ever worked with
As a college professor and long-time test-prep tutor, I've evaluated the gamut of test-prep resources. This is, hands-down, the best math SAT book I've seen: clear, articulate, and accessible without being condescending.I was so impressed that I researched (Googled) the author, and found out that he's won several teaching awards as a high school math and science teacher in New Jersey, which may explain this book's effectiveness: it's written by a teacher who can anticipate student questions and areas of confusion, not a desk jockey.After using it with a few kids, I have decided to make itthe required math text for all my student clients. I'm wondering if there'll be one for the verbal section, too..

A Must Read book for preparing for the SAT math portion
I just took my SAT's a couple of weeks ago. I read the book and thought it was great. Keller introduces many interesting tactics and strategies for taking the SAT. He tells the reader which questions to answer and which ones to omit if you are low on time. He creates personal plans for students who want to get a specific score. The book also has a little humor in some places. I highly recommend this book!

Buy this book!
I discovered this little book on Amazon.com and bought it for my daughter who was about to take the SAT again in the hopes of bringing up her math score.I can tell you that it worked for her.She raised her math score by 110 points!The strategies in this book work -- at least they do for the old SAT.I can't vouch for the new SAT that starts this year, but I strongly suspect the ideas will still hold.

Thank you Philip Keller for making a huge difference in my daughter's math score and putting her in the running for admission to the highly competitive colleges to which she has applied.

... Read more