Saturday, March 17, 2007

Review: Great Estimations by Bruce Goldstone

Great Estimations by Bruce Goldstone
2006, Henry Holt and Company, 32 pages, hardcover

Great Estimations is an eye-popping introduction to the art of, or perhaps the science of, mathematical estimation. Bold colors and clear photographs are used to demonstrate simple, concrete approaches to an abstract mathematical concept. Penguins and pennies. Jelly beans and elbow macaroni. Plastic shoes and paper clips. Practice the techniques for eye training and the methods for clump counting and box counting. Then you can estimate how many of them there are - maybe before your young student does! If you get stuck, use the hint box at the bottom of the page for suggested methods, answers, and applications. This is a winning addition to your living math bookshelf!

Upper elementary.

Reviewed by Susan Kalis (3-17-07)

1 comment:

Mom of All Seasons said...

The Boy got this book from the library a couple of weeks ago and had a great time estimating everything he came across for days afterwards. If it can get my math-hater to play with numbers, I'm all for it.