Product Description

Every math student needs a tool belt of problem solving strategies to call upon when solving word problems. In addition to many traditional strategies, this book includes new techniques such as Think 1, the 2-10 method, and others developed by math educator Ed Zaccaro. Each unit contains problems at five levels of difficulty to meet the needs of not only the average math student, but also the highly gifted. Answer key and detailed solutions are included. Grades 4-12

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28063 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 322 pages

Customer Reviews

Better Problem-Solving
By the time my students get to me, they've already learned the typical problem-solving strategies over and over. This book offers additional strategies that actually help them solve middle school problems. The presentation of the strategies is clear and engaging and there are multiple levels of practice problems for each strategy making it easy to meet the needs of varied learners. My students love learning these strategies, and I love the problem-solving power these strategies provide. In addition, the strategies presented will carry on far beyond a K-12 education. As someone with an advanced degree in mathematics, these are strategies I use regularly to solve problems. I appreciate the fact that I am giving students tools that they can use in more advanced mathematics classes. I highly recommend this book to supplement any middle school curriculum. I usually combine a lesson from this book with a selection from Zaccaro's The Ten Things All Future Mathematicians and Scientists Must Know (But are Rarely Taught).

Love the Book...just review the sample pages
I'd call this book perfect for middle school on up if you plan to use it as is. For many younger children (lower than 4th grade)to teach the material, you'd have to be willing to present the concepts in examples you've rewritten.
Examples: [In Chapter 1] 160 divided by 1/3 = 53 1/3. In Chapter 3, Level 1 problem 1 is simple subtraction...but if a student doesn't already know that a straight line = 180 degrees, he or she will just get frustrated that a number is "missing". And later in the book there are some variables and exponents.
My son is entering 5th; his math level is just out of pre-algebra/getting into "real" algebra (I've supplemented at home)...if I were relying only upon what children learn through fourth grade at school, he would be too distracted by the computation to get the problem solving benefit out of it. I don't think the book is presented as being for elementary students. But if you purchase this book to use [as is] for someone comfortable with fractions and some basic pre-algebra concepts...you'll have no regrets.

Excellent for mid-to-upper elementary
I have a 2nd grader (who is advanced for his age) and this book is written in such a way that he can grasp the concepts without feeling overwhelmed. The "cartooning" style is easy to follow and entertaining while still being educational. We were looking for something for him to use to develop his probleming solving skills. This was an excellent place to start.